SHOCKED AND ANGRY
Reeling community prays for hit-and-run victim
A COLLISION which has left a teenager fighting for her life has sent shockwaves through her community.
On Friday night, an 18-year-old was hit by a car as she crossed the junction between Fenham Hall Drive and Wingrove Road North, Fenham, in Newcastle.
Police say one man has been released under investigation, as the teenager remains in a “critical but stable condition”.
For those living nearby, Friday night’s incident was especially shocking.
Faheem Aslam lives just a few doors down from the site of the collision. He heard the ambulance outside his door and only later did he learn the full details of what had happened.
He said: “I hope she pulls through and recovers fully.
“Most [people] are angry, annoyed and deeply shocked this has happened on our doorstep – in my case literally.”
Community Facebook groups in the area have been full of discussion of the case and concern for the injured girl.
One woman posted: “Does anyone know if that young girl is OK? I can’t stop thinking about her.”
Others commenting shared their fears for the teenager and their wishes for her recovery.
Wingrove councillor Rebecca Shatwell said people had been “shaken” by the collision. “It has really shaken the community,” she said. “I know people are worried, and some of the people who witnessed it may be quite traumatised.
“Our thoughts go out to the family of the victim of this horrific incident – all of the Wingrove councillors send their condolences and their wishes that she recovers. We are listening to residents’ concerns and hoping to hold a public meeting as soon as we can.”
Another resident of the West End told The Chronicle: “It’s just devastating to see that a woman so young has been hurt like this.
“People are all wanting to do something, they want to send flowers, they’re desperate to get their condolences and support to the family. The West End community is a close community and whenever something like this happens everyone is taking about it, people want to come together.
“The situation is really sad – within a second, her life was changed, it could be changed forever.
“People are angry, they’re sad, and everyone just really wishes her the best and hopes she makes a recovery.” Police have previously said they want to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who saw a grey/silver Peugeot 307 in the area shortly before or after 4.35pm on Friday.
They have asked anyone with information or dashcam footage to call them on 101 quoting log 760 23/11/18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.