A DISABLED man was thrown into the air during a hit and run incident in front of thousands of fans pouring out of Ewood Park.

John Boothby, 36, had been to watch Blackburn Rovers on Saturday and was struck by a car as he crossed Bolton Road.

He ended up on the car's bonnet and was dragged for 30 yards before he fell off and hit the ground.

Shocked fans rushed to his aid including a Blackburn Rovers stretcher bearer who gave him first aid until paramedics arrived.

Mr Boothby, who suffered severe bruising to his arm, legs, back and hips, was placed on a spinal board and taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital following the incident at 5pm.

Police launched a hunt for the driver of the silver Volvo, who had been spotted arguing with fans before the collision.

Mr Boothby, from Langho, who has Fibromyalgia - a condition that leaves the suffer with chronic muscle and tissue pain - was also left with a 3ins piece of metal embedded in his back, which was discovered during an X-ray.

The psychology student, who uses a stick to help him walk, said: “I was simply making my way home from the Rovers match with my nephew Colin when I noticed a man in a car having a argument with one of the fans.

“As I checked to see if the coast was clear to cross, I saw the man get out of his car, so a big group of us set off walking. The next thing I remember I felt a massive pain run through my body and being lifted into the air.

“It was terrifying. This man had no regard for anyone else’s safety. I really don’t know why he just didn’t stop.

“But, I cannot thank all those people who came to my aid.

“Dozens of people came running over and tried to keep me calm while we waited for the ambulance. The pain was that bad I could barely move.

“One man called Russell said he was a stretcher bearer at Blackburn Rovers and he was first aid trained.

“I cannot thank him enough.”

Mr Boothby spent five hours having tests and X-rays and amazed medics by walking out without any broken bones.

His nephew Colin Taylor, 27, a quantity surveyor, said: “The driver was a maniac.

“As we started to cross the road he was arguing with a Rovers fan who was telling him off for driving erratically around crowds of people.

“The next thing we knew he had mowed down my uncle and instead of stopping continued to accelerate.

“Luckily I manage to get out of the cars path but with my uncle using a stick he didn’t. He was thrown on to the bonnet before hitting and smashing the windshield.

“He then finally fell to the floor.

“It was horrifying to watch. As the car slowed down I tried to put my arm in and take out the keys but the driver just punched me in the face.

“I tried to chase after him but he got away.

“As I returned to my uncle I expected the worst. I don’t know how he didn’t go under the wheels. He was dragged about 30 yards.”

Mr Boothby was released from hospital around 10pm and is now recovering at home from his injuries.

A police spokesman said: “We are investigating a road traffic accident that took place on Bolton Road, Blackburn shortly after 5pm on Saturday.

“Anyone who saw the incident should call police on 101 or on Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”