POLICE have issued an appeal to anyone who might be shielding a hit-and-run driver who killed a Hampshire schoolboy.

Officers investigating the death of 15-year-old Ryan Liddon say anyone who knows the identity of the motorist should come forward for the sake of his heartbroken family.

Ryan died on Thursday - 11 days after he was mown down by a car that went out of control at Fawley Road, Hythe.

The schoolboy was left for dead by two men who scrambled out of the overturned vehicle and ran off.

In yesterday's Daily Echo Ryan's parents, Anthony and Angela Liddon, urged the driver or anyone who knows his identity to contact police, saying they wanted justice for their son.

Now officers in the case have made a similar appeal.

Insp Roger Price, leading the investigation, said: "Experience tells me that the people involved have probably confided in someone, and I would urge them to come forward.

"They should consider the fact that Ryan has now died and think about how his parents must be feeling. I would also urge the driver or his passenger to contact us so we can fully investigate the crash and establish exactly what happened."

Ryan was a prefect at Hardley School in Long Lane, Holbury, and a leading light at the Bethany Gospel Church in nearby Rollestone Road.

He had caught the ferry from Southampton to Hythe and was walking home when he was hit by a car that failed to negotiate a bend.

Ryan suffered severe head injuries in the accident and never recovered consciousness.

His parents and brother Nicholas, 17, have received a huge number of cards and calls of condolence at their home in Larkspur Gardens, Holbury. Anyone with information should call Operation Lexington at the Eastleigh Roads Policing Unit on 0845 045 4545.

THE POPULAR SCHOOLBOY:

Ryan was a Year 11 pupil at Hardley School, which might establish a memorial to the popular pupil.

A school spokesman said staff would talk to Ryan's parents before deciding whether to create a permanent tribute to their son.

Ryan, who would have sat his GCSEs next summer, regarded information technology as his favourite subject.

He was still undecided on a possible career, but had thought about becoming a paramedic or an RSPCA inspector.

Ryan went to Manor Infant School and Holbury Junior School before joining Hardley.