The family of the 17-year-old are today at his bedside in a head injuries unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge, where he was transferred to following the accident.

The incident happened at 8.20am yesterday, when the van and the bike were in collision in Lawson Avenue, Stanground, Peterborough.

The young biker flew off the bike, which still had a learner plate attached to it, skidded almost 50 metres and came to rest on the kerb near the wall of a nearby garden.

The victim, who is believed to be from Stanground, was rushed to Peterborough District Hospital, but was transferred to the Cambridge hospital to be treated for serious head injuries.

He remains in a critical condition.

After the accident police launched a huge operation to track down a cream-coloured van.

The stretch of road was strewn with debris from the crashed bike and van.

Police, who arrived at the scene within minutes of the incident, immediately condoned off the area and carried out a fingertip search.

Stunned neighbours spoke of their shock at the crash in an otherwise quiet neighbourhood.

Alex Russo, whose house was opposite the scene of the crash, said: "I heard a bang and looked through the window. I saw the bike and noticed a neighbour across the street calling for an ambulance.

"I have never seen an accident on this stretch of road before, it's usually very quiet."

Margaret Elmer, who was about to go shopping, heard the crash. She said: "At first it was difficult to see what had happened.

"A couple of people were standing by a body and a bike was in the middle of the road. It looked serious."

Tom Livigna (57), of nearby Southfields Drive, said police were near the road all morning, adding: "I came back home for lunch and officers were still investigating. I got a text at work to say there had been an hit and run."

A 20-year-old man from Peterborough has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and driving while disqualified.

A 21-year-old woman from Peterborough has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Both were released on bail, without charge, and must return at Thorpe Wood police station on July 30.

n Anyone who has any information about the crash should call police on 0845 456 4564, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.