New appeal in hunt for driver who fled Kirkby crash - leaving teenager seriously hurt
Officers are still trying to trace the driver of a stolen Honda Civic involved in the 2024 collision
Police have issued a renewed appeal for information nearly 10 months after a teenage boy lost his leg in a hit-and-run in Kirkby.
The 15-year-old was riding his bike when he was hit by a speeding car that failed to stop, leaving him with injuries that led to the amputation of his leg.
The collision happened at around 6.25pm on Sunday 22nd December 2024 on Bracknell Avenue, near Kirkby High School.
Car was stolen and later found burnt out
The car involved was a 2018 dark silver Honda Civic, fitted with false registration plates (OV70 OWG).
Police say the vehicle had been stolen from a car dealership in Wigan on 8th December and was seen several times in Greater Manchester in the weeks that followed.
On 18th December, officers gave chase to the car in Wigan but it got away.
It was spotted again on 28th December, damaged and with a broken windscreen, before later being found burnt out in Billinge.
Collision in a 20mph zone
Forensic investigators found the car was travelling at more than 70 miles per hour when it hit the boy, despite the road having a 20mph speed limit.
Detective Sergeant Simon Duffy from Merseyside Police’s Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This was a shocking incident which has left a teenage boy with life-changing injuries which continue to impact him to this day.
“It is incomprehensible to think that anyone could even consider driving away and leaving the boy with such catastrophic injuries.”
He added that officers are still working to identify the driver and anyone who may have helped them after the crash.
“We believe the vehicle was in the Sefton and Kirkby areas for at least one week prior to the collision,” he said. “If you saw a car like this or know anything, please come forward.”
£7,500 reward offered
The charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £7,500 for information it receives that leads to a conviction.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747 or by email at SCIU@merseyside.police.uk quoting reference 24001073245.
Details can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.