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Mum's death crash horror
mike keegan

September 12, 2009

A MUM watched in horror as her four-year-old daughter was killed after a van mounted a pavement and hit her.

Stacey Strutt was taking little Caitlin Fitzhugh to the doctors when tragedy unfolded on Parkhouse Street in Openshaw.

A Ford Focus collided with the van, which then struck the youngster - crushing her against an iron fence. She was taken to hospital but died a short time later from multiple injuries.

Witnesses heard screams of `Caitlin' and `my baby, my baby' from Stacey, 22, who suffered a broken leg.

The woman driver of the metallic green Focus was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. She was later released on police bail. Police are searching for two men seen to get out of the car and run away. The van driver was not hurt.

Members of Caitlin's family were too upset to comment when approached by the M.E.N.A family friend described her as 'a bubby, pretty girl'. He added: "She was like any four-year-old. Just a lovely girl. We're all devastated."

Tears

John McAlister, headteacher at Caitlin's school - Higher Openshaw Primary - said there had been 'plenty of tears shed in the staff room'.

"Everything you can say about her was nice," he added. "She was genuinely an absolutely lovely little girl. The centre of attraction. She used to give me a hug every morning."

Mr McAlister was informing Caitlin's fellow pupils of her death in an assembly yesterday afternoon.

Witnesses to the tragedy spoke of hearing a loud bang and screams. Alexandra Stuart-Brinkley, 59, said: "I ran out and it wasn't nice. "The mum was screaming. The girl was on the floor at the fence, there was a dent in it where it had been hit. She was in a really bad way. Both drivers seemed upset." Paul Berry, 53, added: "I was on my way to the shop when I heard a bang and screaming. "The mum was shouting, 'My baby, my baby'. The girl was bleeding a lot. It was just awful."

Other residents called for traffic restrictions on a road they said was plagued by cars racing. Police have appealed for witnesses and called for the two men who fled the scene to come forward.

Insp Phillip Bromley said: "This collision has tragically taken the life of a four-year-old girl.

"We understand two men ran from the Focus involved and I am keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them. I would also urge them to do the right thing and contact police."

Boy injured

AN ELEVEN-year-old boy was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car on Wigan Road in Bolton. The main A58 commuter route was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident which happened at 4pm, shortly before last night's rush-hour.

Police said the youngster was taken to hospital by ambulance and remains there in a serious condition. Traffic diversions were set up along Southfield Drive, and heavy goods vehicles were diverted at Leigh Road. Anyone with information can call police in 0161 856 7201.