Child dies after ‘being accidentally run over by woman as she reversed off driveway’ in quiet cul-de-sac
A WOMAN accidentally ran over and killed a child after reversing their family car off the drive, it is claimed.
The tragedy happened after the toddler had left the house without their devastated family knowing, it is believed.
Neighbours on the leafy street were in a state of shock after the accident in the small north Yorkshire town.
According to one neighbour, the child’s father – a Dr at the nearby James Cook hospital – wasn’t at home when the tragedy happened.
Cops and emergency services rushed to the scene in Ingleby Barwick at around 1pm on Friday.
Neighbours today told of their shock at the accident and have said they have offered support to the family.
One neighbour told The Sun: “We just can’t believe this has happened.
“It’s a quiet place, a lovely area to live. It’s such a close knit community.
‘STATE OF SHOCK’
“The father is a doctor and some of the other doctors have brought their children round to play with the little child’s siblings so they are not too sad.
“You can’t imagine what the family are going through. The road was closed off yesterday between 1.15pm and 6pm and there was a helicopter on the street.
“They have family supporting them. We are all in a state of shock.”
Another said: “I’ve been told that the mum was leaving the house and the little child just ran around the back of the car.
“I can’t imagine what she must be going through, everyone in the street is here to support them, and we will do whatever we can to help.”
The North East Ambulance Service and the Great North Air ambulance attended the scene and landed in a field close to the estate.
Emergency service crews flooded Wellbrook Close and the child was taken to hospital.
FAMILY TRAGEDY
Police confirmed they had died today. The child’s family was today seen returning from the hospital, and were consoled by friends and neighbours as they arrived back.
A nearby resident told how the area is a “quiet cul-de-sac” and often walks through the street.
She said she heard a lot of sirens at the time of the incident and saw the air ambulance taking off.
“I hope they’re OK,” she said.
The community has been left in shock following the incident with many drivers stopping as they passed the police cordon.
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One resident added: “I went to help but there were lots of people so backed off as I felt like an intruder. That poor family.”
A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said today: “Our thoughts remain with the family of the child at this extremely distressing time and they are being supported by officers.”
The force also confirmed that enquiries into the crash are ongoing.