POLICE believe a young mother from Albaston had been the victim of a hit-and-run accident when she was found suffering from severe head and leg injuries in Calstock last week.

Kate Rackstraw, 23, was found lying at the side of Sand Lane near the junction with Higher Kelly at 12.30am on Sunday July 25.

Reports suggest she may have lain there for more than half an hour before being found, although no-one has as yet come forward with knowledge of the accident.

The latest line of inquiry is focussing on forensic material taken from Ms Rackstraw?s clothing which police hope may provide them with key information about the vehicle which caused her injuries.

Her mother Jan said: ?Our family is appealing to anybody who saw Kate that evening, or has heard anything since, no matter how trivial the information is, to contact the police in order to establish what had happened to Kate that evening.?

It is thought the mother-of-one was returning home after spending Saturday at the Calstock Regatta and Bike Festival.

Witnesses report seeing her safe and well in Calstock at 11.45pm before she headed towards home via Sand Lane, although it is still unclear whether she was alone at that point.

Kate remains in Derriford Hospital with her family at her bedside where her condition is said to have improved. It is hoped she will soon be moved from intensive care to a ward.