Police in Weston-super-Mare have appealed for help in tracing a motorist who hit a cyclist, leaving him with facial injuries and possibly needing plastic surgery. The victim, 40-year-old Jason Mousley, says he is “lucky to be alive” following the incident earlier this month.

According to a woman who witnessed the incident, the female driver swore at the cyclist after the collision close to Broadoak Mathematics and Computing College between 7.30pm and 7.45pm on Saturday 18 April.

She said that the driver, who had red hair, said she would park her car, but after driving round the corner she did not return. The vehicle was described as old-style and silver in colour.

The witness did not take down the registration number of the car because she was more worried about Mr Mousley’s injuries.

Mr Mousley, who needed stitches around his eyes and nose, said: “I was coming home from the seafront. I saw there was traffic at the junction with Devonshire Road but knew I had right of way.

“All I remember then is being hit. I was on the floor and the woman was shouting at me. I keep having flashbacks and remember her driving off towards Broadoak Road.

“It could have been much worse. The paramedic couldn’t believe I had kept all my teeth because I wasn’t wearing a helmet.

“I am lucky to be alive.”

His brother Chris has posted photos of his injuries to Facebook.

A spokesman for Avon & Somerset Police said: “A silver vehicle was in collision with a male cyclist, causing him to fall from his bike.

“The driver then left the scene of the collision.

“The cyclist suffered facial injuries and was taken to Weston General Hospital.

“The driver of the vehicle is described as a woman with red hair.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101 quoting log number 921 of 18/04/15.”