Police were today investigating claims that a teenager knocked down in an apparent hit-and-run had been trying to steal the car.

The 15-year-old boy was initially left fighting for life with serious head injuries after the collision. Today he was said to be in a stable condition in King's College Hospital.

A man was arrested and bailed over the incident in Herne Hill yesterday, but a Scotland Yard source said the driver had claimed he had been the victim of a car-jacking attempt by the teenager.

Earlier reports suggested the boy had been crossing Dulwich Road at the junction of Railton Road when the vehicle smashed into his bike at 3.15pm yesterday.

A Scotland Yard source said: "The driver did not stop at the scene of the collision. However, he was later arrested. When he was questioned by officers investigating the incident, he claimed that he had been the victim of an attempted car jacking."

Witnesses said the cyclist had been playing with a group of friends, who were all on bikes.

Sadik Sirin, 42, who runs Pizza --Hotline in Dulwich Road, said: "I heard a loud bang. I turned around and saw the kid lying in the road, he was completely still. I phoned an ambulance and soon people were coming over from everywhere to help. One of the ambulance staff told me the boy had hurt his head very badly. It's heartbreaking."

Terin Faik, 46, who owns Bandidos Mexican Diner on nearby Norwood Road, said: "It's so sad, they have just announced plans to make this junction safer. They plan to pedestrianise part of Railton Road, improve the pedestrian crossings and introduce extra cycle facilities."

Part of Dulwich Road was closed in both directions and cordons remained in place until 7.30pm yesterday. Detectives are waiting to question the teenager and the motorist has been bailed until the end of August.

Officers from Brixton CID are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information should call 020 7326 1212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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