Leo, 3, ‘fighting back’ after being hit by van
A THREE-YEAR-OLD boy hit by a teenager in a stolen van which was being chased by police is still critically-ill in hospital, but is ‘showing good signs of fighting back.’
Members of the ‘Absolute Leigh’ Facebook group – which boasts more than 30,000 members – have rallied to support little Leo Durrington and his family following the horrific incident in the town on Tuesday.
A teenager has admitted running the youngster over in a stolen van.
A post on the Absolute Leigh Facebook page said Leo’s mother remains by his hospital bedside.
According to the update, the youngster is still sedated.
The post read: “On behalf of his mother, we have been authorised to give an update. “Leo’s mum is at the moment understandably unavailable, at the beside of her critically-ill son.
“However, she has said she wants to thank everyone for all the support and [wishes] and community spirit.
“She really appreciates everything, but cannot face social media at this time. She is aware of all that is going on, being kept informed by her family and close friends.”
The post said Leo has not been diagnosed with brain damage, contrary to some reports.
“He is being kept under sedation for now as his little body needs to rest – as it’s a lot of trauma to such a small, little body,” the post added.
“He is showing good signs of fighting back and the family are keeping very positive.”
Sarah said the response to Leo’s fight has been ‘phenomenal and heartfelt.’ Administrators of the Absolute Leigh Facebook group launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise cash for Leo and his family.
A recent post on the page read: “What an absolutely amazing response by our community.
“Everyone is hoping and praying for a speedy recovery for Leo.”
A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted running Leo over in the stolen van.
The teenager was detained at his home hours after ploughing into the youngster.
He was in a Ford Transit van being pursued by police when he lost control on a bend on Wigan Road in Leigh.
Leo was ‘ripped from his mum’s hands,’ police said, and catapulted 17 metres across a pub car park.
He was put in an induced coma, but the full extent of his injuries is not yet known.