A teenager was hit by a car and the driver, who escaped from the scene, was arrested an hour later, the police said Wednesday.

The accident took place on Tuesday at 6pm in Fleur-de-Lys Road, Birkirkara.

The police said that 17-year-old pedestrian, from Hamrun, had been hit by a Toyota Tercel whose driver kept on going.

Cars parked on the side of the road were damaged in the accident, the police said.

The pedestrian was taken to hospital with grievous injuries.

Police investigations led them to locate the car and its driver an hour later. The driver, aged 18 of Naxxar, was arrested.

Magistrate Charmaine Galea is leading an inquiry.