Video: The moment a toddler was struck by speeding hit-and-run driver - but escaped with minor injuries

Police release video of 'truly shocking incident'

Police released a video of the hit-and-run accident involving a mother and toddler crossing a Coventry road (West Midlands Police)

Footage showing the moment a woman and toddler are knocked flying by a hit-and-run driver has been released by police.

Officers from West Midlands Police are hoping the CCTV video will prompt a member public to come forward and identify the car or who was at the wheel.

The incident happened at 7.30pm on Friday 7 December in King William Street, Coventry. The woman, a 42-year-old driving instructor, was crossing the road with her three-year-old nephew.

In the film, as they reach the middle of the road, a black Audi estate overtakes another car which has stopped to turn into a junction, and mows down the pair.

The driver of the Audi is seen to slow for a moment, but then accelerates along the road as passers-by rush to help the stricken pair, left lying in the middle of the street.

The woman and toddler were luckily unharmed aside from a few minor injuries.

Police said a witness supplied a partial number plate for the Audi - EN57 - but they have been unable to trace the vehicle and believe it could be hidden in a garage.

Officers believe the car will have sustained damage on the front.

Pc Abbi Jones said police took the unusual step of releasing the footage because of the nature of the "truly shocking incident".

PA