A BUS driver who feared he would never get behind the wheel again after suffering horrific injuries in a motorcycle crash is on the way to a miracle recovery.

Peter Harris, from Shoebury, came off his bike after being struck by a black Mercedes near the Tesco roundabout on the A127 at Prince Avenue, Westcliff, at about 9pm on August 16.

Doctors told his family the 48-year-old might not recover the use of his legs after being left with protruding bones from one and a huge gash on the other.

His daughter, Leah Harris, 26, of Northumberland Avenue, Southend, said her dad had already managed to take his first steps after undergoing three operations at Royal London Hospital.

She said: “It is absolutely amazing. He was very, very bad last week.

“He has been up and walking but he’s only walking just a few steps because he’s still in a lot of pain.

“Dad is still in the hospital but we are hoping he will get transferred back here at the end of the week.

“He said he’s not going to force himself, but he said also said he is going to fight.”

Mr Harris had been on a ride out with up to ten pals.

Police believe he was either struck by a car or crashed trying to avoid it as it swerved into his lane.

The car left the scene and three people were later arrested. Miss Harris said two of his friends, who saved Mr Harris’ life by putting pressure on his wounds, have visited him in hospital.

She said: “He can’t remember anything really. I think that’s where he just went into shock.

“I wasn’t there when his friends visited but I know he was really chuffed.”

Miss Harris said she wants her dad’s case to serve as an example to motorists to look out for bikers.

She also called for witnesses to come forward.

A 20-year-old man, a 28-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, all from Southend, were arrested on suspicion of driving offences and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

They have been bailed until October 9. Anyone with information should call Essex Police on 101.