News, sport and entertainment from the Bournemouth Echo and Dorset Echo.

Shocked shop staff see car hit toddler

From the Echo, first published Wednesday 12th Dec 2001.

SHOP staff in Dorchester told today of their horror as they saw a toddler hit by a car driven by a man fleeing from police.

Witnesses said the white Ford Escort ran into the boy, his pregnant mum and baby sister after the driver apparently fled the moving car in Trinity Street.

Staff rushed out of shops to the boy's rescue and heaved the car away from the screaming youngster, who turned out to be unhurt.

Up to a dozen police officers chased after the driver on foot.

Police say the car had been driven off from South Street after three men were suspected of shoplifting at Goulds store.

Kate Slater, of Will's Barber Shop in Trinity Street, said: "I was upstairs having my lunch and looking out of the window.

"I heard police sirens and this car ploughed down the road. It stalled as the driver jumped out and carried on rolling into the family. It hit the boy head-on and my heart sank. It was horrible."

She added: "His mum picked him up. It was lucky he wasn't badly hurt.

"The car could have killed him if it was going any faster."

The boy, aged around three, was checked by ambulance staff. His young sister, who was in a pushchair, suffered a cut lip.

Chris Collier and Alan Diamond, from Service Point UK reprographics firm, came to the rescue of the family and helped lift the car away from the boy.

Barber Will Spackman said: "It could have been a lot worse. The police were on the scene very quickly."

Tammy Andrews, who also works at Will's Barber Shop, said: "There were old ladies there as well. It could have been really nasty."

A 21-year-old man was subsequently questioned and released without charge on police bail.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information about the two other suspects. Call Dorchester Police on (01305) 251212 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Were you the mother and want to thank people who helped? Call the Echo on (01305) 263465.

Archive Home