Boy dies after Bristol hit-and-run crash

A boy has died after he was struck by a car in a hit-and-run crash in Bristol.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the fatal road traffic collision in Westbury-on-Trym.

The collision occurred at 9.15pm on Friday night.

Detectives said a white Ford Focus estate was travelling along Eastfield Road towards the centre of Westbury-on-Trym when it left the road, mounted the pavement and hit a group of pedestrians walking in the opposite direction.

The boy, aged 11, was struck by the vehicle and taken to hospital, where he died a short time later.

An adult man received minor injuries and was released later in the evening evening after receiving hospital treatment. The three other pedestrians, all children, were uninjured.

After the crash the woman driver jumped from the car and fled the scene.

Avon and Somerset police said officers were hunting the driver, and have appealed for anyone who may have information. The driver is described as a white woman, with long blonde hair and in her mid-thirties.

Detective Inspector Ian Chadwick said: "If you were the person involved in this collision please come forward so that we can talk to you about what happened.

"If anyone else saw the collision or a woman leaving the area in a hurry, or knows where that person is now I would urge them to get in touch.

"This was a nasty collision which claimed the life of a young boy and I am keen to establish exactly what happened yesterday evening."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Constabulary on 0845 456 7000. People can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The crash is the second hit-and-run in a week in Bristol. Last Friday Troy Atkinson, of Hartcliffe, was knocked over in the city centre and died hours later in Frenchay Hospital.