Driver ‘deliberately’ drags 17-year-old cyclist under car, leaving him fighting for life

‘We believe the victim was deliberately targeted and was dragged a significant distance,’ police say

Google street view image of Bazely Street, at the junction with Poplar High Street, in London. (Google)

Bystanders rushed to lift a car off a 17-year-old cyclist after he was dragged along a road in a suspected hit-and-run in east London.

Police are hunting for the driver of a maroon Ford Focus who fled on foot after the car hit the boy in Bazely Street, Poplar, at about 7pm on Monday.

Video footage shared on social media shows smoke streaming from the car as people rush over to tilt the vehicle and free the trapped cyclist.

Officers believe the attack, near the junction of Poplar High Street, was deliberate and are treating it as grievous bodily harm with intent.

The teenager was taken to hospital in a critical condition, and his injuries are said to be life-changing.

Police are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Lauren Brady, of the Metropolitan Police’s central east command unit, said: “This is being treated as a grievous bodily harm with intent investigation.

“We believe the victim was deliberately targeted and was dragged a significant distance underneath the vehicle.

“I know there were a number of witnesses and anyone who hasn’t contacted police, or people with any dashcam footage, are asked to call police via 101 quoting reference Cad 6546/09Sep.

“Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”