Toddler is killed in zebra crossing ‘hit-and-run’ horror outside primary school

A toddler has been killed after she was knocked down on a zebra crossing outside a primary school.   

The girl, believed to be aged three, was struck by a seven-seater silver Ford Galaxy car near The Olive primary school in Birmingham, West Midlands just before 2.40pm today. 

The car failed to stop at the scene of the accident and a 24-year-old man was later arrested and taken in for questioning on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Police were seen recovering a Ford Galaxy located nearby. Emergency services, including the Midlands air ambulance, descended on Reddings Lane where the youngster, who was with her family, was found with serious injuries. 

She died shortly after her arrival at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.  

The car (pictured) failed to stop at the scene of the accident and a 24-year-old man was later arrested and taken in for questioning on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving

Police were seen recovering a Ford Galaxy located nearby. Emergency services, including the Midlands air ambulance, descended on Reddings Lane where the youngster, who was with her family, was found with serious injuries

A section of Reddings Lane, in the Tyseley area of the city, remains cordoned off as police forensics teams combed for clues. 

A child’s scooter could be seen near a pedestrian crossing, where a series of yellow evidence markers were placed.

On Facebook, one witness said: ‘It wasn’t a racer. It was a seven-seater and sadly the girl passed. Prayers and thoughts to the girl’s family.’ 

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: ‘It is understood the girl was using a zebra crossing when she was hit by a silver Ford Galaxy just before 2.40pm today. 

‘The driver of the car failed to stop at the crossing but officers swiftly took witness accounts and statements, and arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after locating his vehicle in the area. 

 She died shortly after her arrival at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Pictured, the air ambulance was called to the scene

A child’s scooter could be seen near a pedestrian crossing, where a series of yellow evidence markers were placed

The wing mirror of the car recovered by police had snapped off

‘The girl’s family were with her at the time of the tragedy.’

Acting Inspector Paul Hughes, from West Midlands Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said: ‘The tragic death of such a young child is deeply saddening. Our thoughts are with the girl’s family at this incredibly distressing time. 

‘Our priority is supporting her family and ensuring that a thorough investigation is carried out. We understand the shock and worry this may have caused the community and ask people not to speculate on the circumstances. 

‘I’m keen to hear from anyone who was on Reddings Lane or the immediate vicinity and may have witnessed the collision or heard anything that may assist our investigation.’  

The road remained closed this evening as an investigation into the death continued

A spokesman for West Midland Ambulance Service confirmed: ‘We were called at 2.38pm this afternoon to reports of a collision between a car and pedestrian. 

‘We sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer, the Midlands air ambulance critical care car, and the Midlands air ambulance from Cosford. 

‘On arrival, we discovered one patient, which was a child. They were treated for serious injuries and taken to Birmingham children’s hospital by land ambulance.’ 

Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101. Quote log number 2641 of 11 November.