THREE-YEAR-OLD Leo Durrington remains in a critical condition after being hit by a stolen van in a horrendous hit-and-run.

Shortly after 10.35am yesterday (Tuesday, October 30), officers were on patrol in Leigh when they attempted to stop a stolen white Ford Transit Connect van on Wigan Road.

The van failed to stop for officers and during a brief pursuit, the van collided with three-year-old Leo.

The van failed to stop at the scene and fled towards Twist Lane.

The officers immediately stopped and administered first aid to Leo before paramedics and the air ambulance arrived at the scene.

Leo was rushed to hospital with life threatening injuries and he remains in a critical condition.

The van was later recovered on St Johns Street in Abram and enquiries are ongoing.

Officers have released images of the van and are appealing to anyone that saw it over the last couple of days to contact police.

 

Police Sergeant Lee Westhead, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This horrendous incident has left Leo fighting for his life and has devastated his family, friends and the community.

“The driver showed absolutely no regard for Leo or his family as he fled the scene and continues to evade police.

“The van we have recovered has damage to the passenger side headlight and is missing the passenger side door mirror. We have released images of the van and are appealing to anyone that saw it over the last couple of days to give us a call.

“Myself, along with Leo’s family are urging anyone with any information to please get in touch as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with information should call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or 101 quoting reference number 628 of October 30.

Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.