Hit and run toddler appeal: police release CCTV video
Police release shocking video of the moment a woman and child are hit by a car and appeal for help to track the driver who fled the scene. Incredibly, the pair were unharmed.
The incident occurred just before 7.30pm on Friday 7 December last year.
The pair, a 42-year-old woman and her three-year-old nephew, were crossing the road in King William Street in Coventry, when a black Audi estate overtakes traffic and ploughs into them.
The car momentarily pauses before speeding off. Witnesses are then seen rushing to help the pair and attempt to stop the car.
Incredibly, both the toddler and the woman escaped the incident unharmed. The toddler gets up a few seconds after being struck and is comforted while his aunt lies dazed on the ground.
Minor injuries
PC Abbi Jones, investigating the incident for West Midlands Police, said it was a shocking incident and explained why they released the footage:
“We have taken the unusual step of releasing the images – which carries a warning for viewers – in the hope that someone will recognise the car and come forward with information so that we can trace the driver.”
Officers who raced to the scene were amazed to find that despite the severity of the impact, the pair escaped with only minor injuries – a diagnosis confirmed by doctors at the city’s Coventry and Warwickshire University Hospital.
“This could have been so much worse,” added PC Jones. “At the time of the collision, the driver would not have known that the woman and child were uninjured.”
Partial number plate: EN57
Despite national checks of the partial registration plate taken by a witness – EN57 – police have so far been unable to trace the Audi.
Officers believe the car which will have sustained damage to the front from the impact may be being hidden in a lock-up or garage.
“With this in mind I would ask that any mechanics who have repaired a black Audi estate with front end damage between the start of December and now get in touch. Similarly, I want to hear from anyone who has seen a similar car being driven into a lock-up and not come out since.”
Police have appealed for anyone with information on the movements of the car before or after the collision should call the police non emergency number on 101.
Alternatively, people who do not want to speak with police officers can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
