By Teri Jones POLICE have renewed warnings about the dangers of joyriding after two boys were injured in a hit-and-run accident this week.

The youngsters, Daniel Long, 12, and 14-year-old Christopher Unsworth, were knocked down in Smiths Lane, Hindley Green, by a stolen car that mounted the pavement.

The light-blue Vauxhall Cavalier was stolen from Smiths Lane on Tuesday evening. It was then driven down the lane towards Leigh where, at the junction of Leigh Road, it hit the pedestrians at about 6.15pm.

The boys were taken to Wigan Royal Infirmary where Christopher, of Holly Grove, Leigh, was detained with fractures to both legs and a head injury.

Daniel, of Larks Road, Leigh, was released after treatment for a bruised ankle.

The car was later found abandoned.

As police inquiries continue, warnings concerning the dangers of joyriding are being stressed.

Insp Bill Dyke, in charge of Leigh police operations unit said: "Inexperienced drivers in vehicles they're not familiar with and can't control is a recipe for disaster and this incident highlights this."

He urges youngsters who find joyriding fun to consider the possible consequences of their actions and remember that joyriding carries a five-year sentence.

Insp Dyke said: "They won't feel very joyful if they kill or seriously injure someone."

A man has been arrested and released on police bail in connection with this incident.