A BOY of 11 was injured after being hit by a car as joyriders raced around his Newport school grounds yesterday.

Now police and council investigations are under way into the hit-and-run crash. The victim has not been named but is believed to be from the Brynglas area.

A boy aged 15 was arrested last night and questioned in connection with the incident. He was later released on police bail.

Two cars, one blue and one white, drove on to the Bettws High School site yesterday and drove around in an apparent attempt to "show off" to pupils who were starting their mid-morning break.

The blue car hit the 11-year-old boy in the grounds of the school as other pupils watched in horror.

The boy was tossed into the air and yesterday it was understood that he had a broken jaw, injured shoulder and lost a number of teeth. Today, his injuries were described by police as not being serious. He was yesterday taken by ambulance to the Royal Gwent Hospital at Newport.

Chairman of school governors, Bill Langsford, said: "It's unfortunate that these cars came onto school property and may have been showing off to elder pupils.

"This is the first time I have heard of this happening. But this accident is horrific. "It does concern us and we are going to have to look at ways of combating this hooliganism.

"This is an accident but if these hooligans hadn't come on to the site it wouldn't have happened.

"The governors will have the investigation with the LEA and we will cooperate as much as we can. Our thoughts are with the child and his family."

Headteacher Bob Meier said no other pupils were involved in the incident. He said: "The school is thinking about the pupil and his family at this time."

Newport Local Education Authority has also opened an investigation. Police officers are appealing for information on the two cars. They said they are especially keen to speak to the driver of the blue vehicle, a small hatchback with a smashed front nearside indicator light. The driver is described as being white with blond hair.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 01633 642 400.