A quiet evening in the Illawarra region turned to tragedy when an 11-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle in what police are describing as a cowardly hit-and-run incident.
The young victim remains in a critical condition at Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick after suffering severe head injuries in the collision that occurred on Rothery Street in Bellambi around 6:15 PM on Tuesday.
Community Outrage Grows
Local residents expressed their horror and anger as news of the incident spread through the tight-knit community. "To hit a child and just drive away - it's unforgivable," said one neighbour who witnessed the aftermath.
Emergency services rushed to the scene following multiple distressed calls from residents who heard the impact and saw the injured child lying in the street.
Police Hunt for Driver
NSW Police have launched an intensive investigation, appealing to the public for any information that might lead to the identification of the driver and vehicle involved.
Detective Inspector leading the investigation stated: "We believe this was a dark-coloured SUV, possibly a Nissan Dualis or similar model. The driver failed to stop and show any human decency towards this critically injured child."
Police are conducting door-to-door inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from the area in hopes of tracking the vehicle's movements before and after the collision.
Family's Agonising Wait
The boy's family has maintained a vigil at his hospital bedside as medical staff work tirelessly to stabilise his condition. Friends and community members have begun organising support for the devastated family.
Local schools have been notified of the incident, with counselling services being made available to students and staff affected by the news.
Anyone with information about the vehicle or driver is urged to contact Crime Stoppers immediately, as police stress that time is critical in finding those responsible for this heartless act.
