Hit-and-run schoolgirl critical

Rachel Jones had emergency surgery after the incident

Police investigating a hit-and-run accident which has left a schoolgirl fighting for her life are trying to trace a white Vauxhall Carlton involved in the collision.

Rachel Jones, 13, was struck by the car on the Aberdare bypass on Saturday , when she was returning home with friends.

She underwent emergency surgery at Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales, but remains in a critical condition with her parents at her hospital bedside.

Officers are searching for the driver of the vehicle - who they believe could be local - and are asking people living in the area to look out for the car.

Inspector Andrew Germain, who is leading the investigation, said Rachel was with three friends crossing the carriageway - the A4059 Aberdare by-pass - at around 2030 GMT when she was struck.

We welcome any calls on suspicious looking cars in the area Inspector Andrew Germain

"We feel the car maybe local so we are appealing for people to be extra vigilant," said Inspector Germain.

"They may have spotted a car dumped on waste ground or left in a street. We need to find the car."

Inspector Germain said they were looking for anyone who was travelling along the road at the time of the crash to come forward.

"We are also appealing to the driver to give themselves up. We hope their conscience will be pricked if they know Rachel's condition."

"We welcome any calls on suspicious looking cars in the area," he added.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01685 872456 or call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.