A schoolboy miraculously escaped with only minor injuries when he was hit by a car while fleeing from a robber.

The 15-year-old was walking with his 11-year-old sister by the Red Lion pub, in Greenford Road, at about 4pm last Friday when he was pulled back-wards by a thug who grabbed his bag.

The teenager, believed to be a pupil at Drayton Manor High School, managed to break free from the attacker and ran across Greenford Road but was hit by a car.

Karnail Singh, owner of Chariot Fish and Chips nearby, said: "I heard screams and saw people gathering outside so I went to see what was going on.

"The boy was lying on the ground and there was blood coming out of his mouth and bruises on his head.

"The ambulance came very quickly and took him away."

The boy, from Greenford, was rushed to Ealing Hospital but was discharged on Sunday after being treated for cuts, bruises and mild concussion.

Greenford Road was closed for about two hours while forensic officers combed the scene and inspected the Vauxhall Zafira private hire mini-cab that hit him.

No action has been taken against the driver, who is from Southall.

A police spokesman said: "We are appealing for witnesses to this incident, which could have had far more tragic consequences."

Anyone with information should call Ealing Police on 020 8810 1212 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

* A 21-year-old from West Ealing has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed until November 3.