Woman is knocked down in hit-and-run (From Essex County Standard)

Woman is knocked down in hit-and-run

5:00pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in News By Adam Cornell

A WOMAN was hurt in a hit-and-run accident.

Debbie Pratchett, 51, suffered an epileptic fit when she was hit by the black car, believed to be a Vauxhall Corsa, in Greenstead Road, Colchester.

She suffered a chipped elbow and cuts and bruises. The shock sparked a seizure and she spent two days in Colchester General Hospital.

Mrs Pratchett, of Erica Walk, Greenstead, was getting into a car when she saw a car driving towards her.

She shouted the car was too close, but could not avoid it and was thrown to the ground. The car sped off.

Mrs Pratchett said: “It all happened so quickly.

“I went to get in and saw a car coming along too close. “I shouted at them to move out, which was the last thing I remember before I woke up in hospital.”

The crash brought back memories of her brother Gary, who died in a crash when she was 13.

She said: “My brother was killed when I was young and the person just got a £45 fine and a ban for a year – it has brought back horrible memories.”

Daughter Yvonne, who witnessed the incident, said: “I was getting into the car when I heard my mum scream.

“I turned to see her struck by the car, which sped away and I could hear people inside laughing.

“They must have seen her, or not been looking at the road.

“I ran around to help and put her in the recovery position. She has epilepsy and had started to fit.

“I was scared she would die. She was moaning and not making sense.”

Three people are believed to have been in the car.

The incident, near the junction with Harwich Road, happened on Friday, June 15, at about 8.15pm.

Police have renewed an appeal and are particularly keen to speak to the driver of a BMW, who stopped to help.

Anyone with information can call PC Alex Black at Colchester police on 101.