“We need the help of the community to catch those responsible for this”
More details are emerging about the Ferry Road hit and run which saw a ten year old boy sustain serious injuries on Saturday evening. The child, who has not yet been named, remains in hospital in a stable condition and senior police officers are appealing for the community’s help to identify those responsible.
Police have said that the motorbike used in the hit-and-run had been stolen earlier in Edinburgh and that there were a number of reports of motorbikes being driven dangerously in the area before the incident at 6.35pm.
Police also confirmed that two motor bikes went through a red light at the pedestrian crossing near Drylaw Police Station, one of which hit the wee boy and knocked him to the ground. Both drivers had their faces covered with scarves
There had been a number of reports of motorbikes being driven dangerously in the area earlier on Saturday evening before the incident.
Investigations are ongoing and police are reviewing CCTV footage. Police patrols have also been stepped up.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Grainger, who is leading the investigation, urged witnesses to come forward. He told the BBC: “The boy remains in hospital and his condition is now described as stable. He is currently undergoing surgery as a result of the injuries he sustained in this collision and it is too early to assess what impact these injuries may have on his life moving forward.
“At this stage we are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the Ferry Road area last night around the time of the collision, or indeed before or after it.
“This was a terrifying incident which could easily have had fatal consequences and both the boy’s mother and I would urge anybody that has any information to contact the police or Crimestoppers. We need the help of the community to catch those responsible for this.
“This young boy was going about his own business, making a routine crossing of a busy road at what should have been a safe pedestrian crossing when he was mown down by this motorcycle. Nobody should be attempting to assist, hide or cover up for the people responsible who have shown a reckless disregard for other people’s safety with terrible consequence.”
A description of the motorbikes and the individuals involved in the incident has been issued.
The first motorbike involved was red and driven by someone wearing a red and black ski-type jacket and a full-face crash helmet which was white with a purple and orange design.
The second motorcycle, the one that struck the boy, was a white Triumph Daytona 650cc. The rider was wearing a grey hooded top, dark tracksuit bottoms and a white full-face helmet with a coloured design. The motorcycle was abandoned at the scene before the driver ran off.
Superintendent Mark Rennie added: “This has been a shocking incident which has deeply affected the local community.
“For over a year now Police Scotland has engaged with a significant range of partners and the City of Edinburgh Council to target offenders and also deal with the root cause of this type of reckless offending and risk taking behaviour. Despite that a small minority of offenders continue to steal motorcycles and put themselves and others at risk.
“I would reassure local residents that patrols are ongoing across the area in this regard, and anyone who has any concerns, or indeed information which they would wish to pass on should talk to our officers.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
23
0
20
