A MAN is in a serious condition in hospital after being hit at high speed in the car park of a fast food restaurant — with police investigating whether the attack was racially motivated.

The 32-year-old man was hit in the car park of McDonalds in Derby Street, Daubhill, at about 11.40pm on Friday night.

He was left with severely broken legs, as well as bones in his body and face, and is said to be in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

His condition is not thought to be life threatening.

It is believed the man is of Asian background, and was with a group of friends in the car park.

It is thought he became involved in an argument with another man, and two women, who were all said to be white.

Police say they are investigating whether any racist remarks were made during the confrontation.

Later, the group got into two separate cars, one of which drove off, while the other set off at high speed and hit the man.

Both cars made off after the incident.

Police are now examinging CCTV footage to investigate the situation prior the attack, and to see how the situation escalated.

Det Insp Sarah May, of Bolton police, said: "At this stage, our investigation is focused on establishing exactly what sparked this confrontation and the exact details of what led up to this man being struck by a moving car and suffering a number of fractures to his face and body.

"He is currently receiving treatment in hospital and although his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening clearly he has suffered numerous serious injuries so we need to understand exactly what has happened and why.

"We are also investigating the possibility racist remarks were made during the argument.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward and I would include in that appeal the driver of the car and his friends who have vital information about what happened in that car park.

“I would strongly urge those people to call us and tell us what they know.

"We will be reviewing CCTV in the coming days but I would still encourage anyone who has information to come forward."

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8565595 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.