THIS is the sickening moment a schoolgirl is sent flying 12ft in the air by a hit-and-run driver.

Jodie Momodu, 12, thudded to the ground unconscious outside her school gates - as friends and parents watched in horror.

The youngster, tipped as a 2012 Olympic swimming star, suffered head injuries and a hairline shoulder fracture.

Doctors say only her fitness stopped her being more badly hurt. She has since almost fully recovered.

Police issued the picture yesterday, from her school CCTV, to try to nail the 4x4 driver.

WPC Jenny Giesen said: "The vehicle whacked Jodie and drove off.

"She was drifting in and out of consciousness on the way to hospital and doctors were concerned about her head injury.

"She's OK now, which is amazing when you see that awful picture. We want to find the driver who did this."

The girl's mum Tracey, 42, of Dagenham, Essex, added: "Seeing her in that state was horrifying. Anyone who knows anything, please call police."

Jodie was mown down as she crossed the road in Barking on July 14. Police also want to trace a man who raced after the dark blue Mitsubishi Shogun and banged on the window, forcing it to stop.

A man was held and freed on bail but police are still searching for the motorist.