Dunedin hit-and-run victim 'knew driver'

The victim was transported to hospital after being found with a bone protruding from his leg and ''serious lacerations''. Photo / iStock

A man injured in a hit-and-run incident in Dunedin at the weekend is thought to know the female driver of the car that struck him, police say.

An off-duty nurse found the man in Dowling St with a bone protruding from his leg and ''serious lacerations'' about noon on Sunday.

Police Southern District Communications spokesman Senior Sergeant Darryl Lennane said the people involved ''appeared to know each other''.

He could not say whether the woman deliberately tried to run the man down.

Police had been unable to talk to her by late yesterday.

Sergeant Steve Aitken, of Dunedin, said the driver had ''disappeared'' by the time police arrived.

The man was transported to Dunedin Hospital by police as no ambulance was available at the time, Sgt Aitken said.

''We still need to locate the owner of the vehicle so we can have a chat with [her]. If anybody did witness [the hit-and-run], we would certainly be keen to talk to them.''

Anyone with information was asked to contact Dunedin police on (03) 471-4800(03) 471-4800, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555-1110800 555-111.