THE teenage victim of a hit-and-run was today named as Lauren Herrera.

The 17-year-old was seriously injured after being knocked down by a dark-coloured 4x4 vehicle on Maryland Road in Risca.

Gwent Police have launched an appeal to trace the driver of the vehicle, who sped from the scene.

It is believed the vehicle was parked in Maryland Road prior to the incident. Miss Herrera is still at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

Her condition this morning was described by a Gwent Police spokeswoman as not life threatening, and is improving.

The investigation is being handled by the Gwent Police collision investigation unit, who have spoken to a number of eye-witnesses to the incident.

The area where the accident occurred has caused residents concern for some time.

Risca councillor David Wiltshire said residents of Maryland Road were currently collecting signatures for a petition calling upon the local authority to remedy problems with traffic on the street.

He said: "In Maryland Road I have been approached by residents who are organising a petition about this very problem.

"I'm sure the highways department of Caerphilly county borough are giving serious thought to the traffic problems in Risca and Pontymister. "Somehow or other it has to be addressed."

Lesley Hill, the landlady of the Rolling Mill - located close to where the hit-and- run incident happened - said locals are shocked by what happened.