Cyclist injured in stolen Mercedes hit-run makes public appeal to driver

A driver who smashed into a female cyclist, injuring her badly, then drove off should hand himself in, police say.

Chantelle Pritchard was thrown onto the bonnet of the car, which then did a U-turn and drove off, police said.

"How the hell can someone actually leave when you could be actually dead on the side of the road?" the 43-year-old mother posed the question today.

"The first thing I actually realised of the accident was a crunching sound…and saw the car stop, do a U-turn and drive straight back past me."

Ms Pritchard will require months of rehabilitation from fracturing her vertebrae. Today, she made a public plea to the driver to turn themselves into police.

"It's better you do that yourself rather than being brought in at a later date," she said.

First Constable Patrick Littlebury described the smash as a "despicable act"

"I'm not sure where the conscience is of someone who could do that to another human."

The police officer made a direct appeal to the driver: "Go to your local police station and put your hand up," he said.

The smash occurred just on March 17 on Chapel Street in St Kilda but police discovered the vehicle burnt out in Altona on Tuesday.

The Mercedes was stolen from Malvern in February.

Witnesses are encouraged to call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.