Police are trying to find a hit-and-run driver who left two footballers lying seriously injured in the road after a crash in Newmarket.

Shaun Whiter, 27, from Burrough Green, has had to have both his legs amputated following the crash on Friday night and his friend Joey Abbs, 31, has a serious injury to his right leg.

Emotional appeals have been made to catch the Ford Focus driver who crashed into them and then drove off.

“Their car has got to be damaged. Shaun lost an incredible amount of blood so there has to be blood on the vehicle,” said Joey’s older brother Mark Abbs.

“We would like to appeal to anyone who saw something on Friday night or Saturday morning that doesn’t quite stack up to come forward.”

He said the driver had left Shaun “to die” after the crash, with the pair lying in the road together for around 15 minutes after the crash at 10.55pm in Dullingham Road.

Shaun had gone to help his friend after Joey’s silver Vauxhall Astra had a puncture, causing him to park on the side of the road.

Shaun pulled up behind in his black BMW 320 to help. Moments later the Ford Focus hit the BMW, crushing both men.

“Joey had a puncture and he was travelling back towards Newmarket from Dullingham and pulled up,” said Mark. “It was dark and he was unsure if he could change it. He knew Shaun was close by. Shaun, as good as he is, came straight out and parked directly behind Joey.

“It went into them. They were both in the boots of their cars looking for various bits to change the tyres. Whoever did it went straight into the back of Shaun and obviously hit him into his car and knocking his car into Joey, crushing Joey in between.”

He said Shaun had taken the brunt of the impact.

Both cars had their hazard lights on and Shaun was wearing a high-vis jacket, said Mark.

Both Joey and Shaun have been at Addenbrooke’s Hospital since the crash, with Mark saying his younger brother might be able to return home tomorrow.

“They’re pretty pleased with the way he’s progressing,” he said.

“Shaun I saw for the first time on Monday. He’s being incredible really. He’s an incredible lad, very strong and he put everyone at ease. It’s very difficult to know what to say. He’s been incredible. He’s very positive.”

Joey plays in midfield for Newmarket Town FC, having played as a youngster for Cambridge Utd and later with Cambridge City and Histon FC. He moved to Newmarket around three years ago.

PC Ian Masters said: “This was a serious collision and has sadly resulted in life-changing injuries for the driver of the BMW.

“I am particularly keen to speak to the driver of the Ford Focus who did not remain at the scene.”

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident was asked to call police on 101 and speak to a member of the Road Policing Unit.

Alternatively people with information can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org

Cambridgeshire Police has been appealing for witnesses.

A Crowdfunding page has been set up in support of the pair, so far raising more than £5,000.