Authorities continue their search for a vehicle and its driver following a hit-and-run incident that has left a man from Melbourne in critical condition.

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Westphalian Rise in Clyde North. Two men were reportedly standing in the area when the occupants of a dark-colored hatchback or SUV allegedly shouted insults as they passed by.

The vehicle then made a sudden U-turn and accelerated towards the pair.

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While one man managed to evade the oncoming car, his 29-year-old companion was struck and is now hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

He was taken to hospital with critical injuries.

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The car involved did not stop, and the people inside the car have not been found.

It is not clear if the two parties were known to each other.

A crime scene has been established, and police are urging anyone with information or footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers.

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