A TEENAGER is recovering in hospital after breaking both his legs when he was hit by a taxi.

Leighton Hargreaves, 19, was struck by a silver Audi A4 as he walked home with friends from a party in his home town of Clayton-le-Moors.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Leighton’s mum Gillian, 43, said the family had been sick with worry when they heard about the crash.

“One of his friends rang us to tell us straight away,” she said. “It was a terrible feeling, you always fear the worst. My husband went to the scene while I and my daughter went to hospital.

“Leighton can’t remember any of the first few hours at the hospital now, but it was awful to go through. It could have been much worse though, really.”

The incident happened in Whalley Road.

Leighton, a student of Collingwood, Clayton-le-Moors, was rushed to Royal Blackburn Hospital, but yesterday was moved to start his recovery in a rehabilitation unit at Burnley General.

Gillian, dad David, 44, and sister Danielle, 21, have been by his bedside since the accident.

“He has had loads of visitors this week,” said Gillian. “His mates have been coming six at a time and having to wait outside while the first three go in. It shows he is a popular lad.

“He loves all sport, he plays football and does a lot of mountain biking and roller blading so he is going to be gutted to miss out on that for a while.”

Leighton underwent four hours of surgery on one of his legs on Sunday and had a metal rod inserted in it.

Gillian said: “He has been quite down the last few days. It seems to be sinking in now and he can’t move about or get up.

“It is going to be quite tough for him while he remains in hospital, but we are a close-knit family and we will all come through it.”

A police spokesman said they were keen to speak to witnesses of the accident, which happened at around 2.15am on Saturday.

He said: “An investigation into this incident is under way and police are currently taking statements from everyone involved.

“We would urge any witnesses to the incident to contact police on 01254 353210.”