A 60-year-old man is in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by a vehicle in a suspected hit-and-run.

The man had been walking home in Dumfries on Monday night when he was injured at around 11.50pm, police said.

A number of people stopped to help him after he was found lying in the road in St Mary's Street near to Lovers Walk.

The driver of the vehicle involved failed to stop, police said. The man was taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, where he continues to be treated.

Inspector Neil Hewitson, from the roads policing unit at Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, said: "The man has sustained a number of critical injuries and if it wasn't for the good work done by some passing motorists who stopped to help him, this collision may have been a lot worse.

"We are particularly keen to trace the driver of the vehicle concerned. Striking a pedestrian in this manner suggests dangerous or possible excessive speed. Failing to stop and report it also shows a complete irresponsible attitude.

"Several witnesses speak of a small blue-coloured hatchback-style vehicle travelling in the area around that time.

"If you are the driver please come forward or if you seen the car contact us. We need to trace the person responsible."