Police appeal after shocking hit and run footage is released

By Steve Carpenter Tuesday 12 February 2013 Updated: 13/02 11:43

The woman lies on the floor as her nephew is comforted by passers by.

THESE shocking CCTV images taken from footage capturing the moment a woman and a toddler are hit by a car which then speeds off have been released in a bid to track the driver and the car.

In the 20 second clip (below) taken from cameras in King William Street in the Hillfields, a woman and child can be seen leaving the Sky Blue Fish Bar and crossing the road at the junction of Canterbury Street.

As the 42-year-old, from Stoke, crosses the road with her 3-year-old nephew, a black Audi estate overtakes a turning car and ploughs into the pair throwing them down the road.

The collision took place just before 7.30pm on December 7.

The car can be visibly seen momentarily slowing down before speeding off down King William Street towards Berry Street followed by a witness on foot in a bid to stop them.

Miraculously both the mother and child escaped with only minor injuries after being checked over by doctors at the city’s University Hospital.

“This is a shocking piece of CCTV footage which captures a truly shocking incident," said PC Abbi Jones, from the Police Traffic Unit, who is investigating the incident.

“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."

“This could have been so much worse. At the time of the collision, the driver would not have known that the woman and child were uninjured."

Despite national checks of the registration plate taken by a witness, police have so far been unable to trace the Audi.

Officers now believe the car, which will have sustained damage to the front from the impact, may be being hidden in a lock-up or garage.

PC Jones added: “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.”

Anyone with information on the movements of the car before or after the collision should call PC Jones on 101. Alternatively, people who do not want to speak with police officers can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.