A MAN has been arrested over the hit-and-run crash which left a teenager seriously ill.

Police took the suspect, from Darwen, into custody at around 5pm today after recovering a Nissan Navara.

The development came as Martin Flaherty, 17, who was struck in Blackburn Road, Darwen, as he made his way to a New Year party, regained conciousness.

Martin has now given police details about the incident.

Martin was carried along the bonnet and windscreen of a pick-up truck for more than 100 yards after being hit as he crossed Blackburn Road, Darwen.

The accident happened while the teenager making his way to a party with friends at 1.30am on New Year's Day.

Martin, who lives on the Anchor estate, Darwen, with his parents, fell to the side of the road and was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital suffering multiple injuries.

His devastated mum and dad Jessie and Bernard Flaherty have been keeping a bedside vigil in the intensive care unit.

Sgt Mick Young, who is leading the investigation, said the arrest had come from information given after appeals through the Lancashire Telegraph.

He said: "Martin woke up for the first time yesterday.

"He was very groggy and is in a bad way but officers were able to speak to him."

Police are investigating whether speed was a factor on the 30mph stretch of road.