A HIT-AND-RUN van driver fled after smashing into a taxi with two 12-year-old passengers inside.

The driver struck the back of the taxi on the A12 near Colchester and got out to have a look at the damage.

He saw the children and said he was pulling over but then drove off instead.

One of the boys had to be taken to hospital, with the second treated at the scene for a injured knee.

Taxi driver Debbie Shore, 48, suffered whiplash.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the collision on the northbound A12 close to junction 28, by the football stadium, at about 8.45am yesterday.

Ms Shore said: “I have never been involved in a hit-and-run and cannot believe he drove off.

“He came over and had a look in the car and said we would have to move over because we were in the outside lane.”

After checking on the children she pushed the emergency button for help and an ambulance was called.

He drove off instead and Ms Shore pulled off up the slip road into a safer place.

She said: “Roman Cars, who I was driving for, have been fantastic.

“Lots of the drivers came to check on us.

“The boys are ok.

“The taxi may be written off and the last payment on it was due on February 2.

“How can you drive off after hitting a car with two young boys inside.”

The white Vauxhall van, with ladders on top, was being driven by a black man aged between about 25 and 35-years-old.

Anyone with information call PS Jason Dearsley at at Stanway Roads Policing Unit on 101.