Family plea after three-year-old hit by stolen van pursued by police

The family of a three-year-old boy left “fighting for his life” after a hit-and-run has urged anyone with information to come forward.

Leo Durrington, from Wigan, was hit by a stolen white Ford Transit Connect van which was being followed by officers in Leigh after failing to stop on Wigan Road shortly after 10.35am on Tuesday, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

A force spokesman said the boy remained in a critical condition in hospital.

The van, which fled towards Twist Lane, was recovered by police on St Johns Street in Abram.

Sergeant Lee Westhead, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This horrendous incident has left Leo fighting for his life and has devastated his family, friends and the community.

“The driver showed absolutely no regard for Leo or his family as he fled the scene and continues to evade police.

“The van we have recovered has damage to the passenger side headlight and is missing the passenger side door mirror.

“We have released images of the van and are appealing to anyone that saw it over the last couple of days to give us a call.

“Myself, along with Leo’s family, are urging anyone with any information to please get in touch as a matter of urgency.”

The incident was referred to the force’s professional standard’s branch “in line with normal force policy”, a spokesman said.

Anyone with information should call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or 101 quoting reference number 628 of 30/10/2018.

Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.