The family of a woman who was pinned beneath a car with her dog in a hit-and-run have said they are “incredibly lucky to be alive”. Jackie Davies was injured after a silver Volkswagen Passat came off the road into the garden of a house in Rowan Way, Malpas, Newport, in the early hours of Monday morning.
The 63-year-old from Newport is in a stable condition after being taken to hospital from the scene. She was helped, not just by the emergency services, but also by local residents and nurses from a nearby nursing home, and blood donors.
Her family have described her medical ordeal, and backed an appeal for anyone with information concerning the incident to get in touch with Gwent Police. For the latest Newport news, sign up to our newsletter here.
A statement from her family read: “Both our mum and her dog are incredibly lucky to be alive. However, our mum has suffered significant injuries which have required surgical intervention. We’re delighted to say that her dog, Frisby, somehow managed to escape with only minor injuries and is currently staying with family.
“On behalf of ourselves and our mum, we’d like to thank members of staff from Welsh Air Ambulance, Welsh Ambulance Service, South Wales Fire and Rescue and Gwent Police for their speed and incredible work to free her from underneath the vehicle. We’d also like to thank the local resident and nurses from the nearby nursing home who reacted so quickly and selflessly to help, as well as the blood donors who donated the blood used in her transfusion. Without their quick actions or the generosity of blood donors, our mother may not be with us today.
“Of course, we’d also like to thank the nurses, doctors and surgeons at University Hospital Wales who have cared for our mother so well in the aftermath of the incident. There has been a significant outpouring of well wishes and concern from local residents and beyond, which we are all incredibly touched by.
“We would like to reiterate Gwent Police’s call for information so that those responsible can be brought to justice; anyone who may have CCTV or doorbell camera footage, or may know the individuals who did this to our mother, please get in touch with the police.”
A local resident called Saul Evans said he was getting ready for work at around 6.23am when he heard a loud crash and screaming. He described how a car had crashed into his back garden and a woman and her dog were trapped underneath. Mr Evans said he called for help and two nurses from a local care home and neighbours remained at the scene until the emergency services arrived.
Police have since released an image of a man called Ian Probert who they would like to speak to in connection with the incident. Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £1,000 for anonymous information on his whereabouts. The appeal says: “Wanted for causing serious injury by dangerous driving. On January 13, in the Malpas area, a woman and her dog were trapped under a car, causing serious injuries. The driver then fled the scene.”
Ian Probert, who is wanted in connection with a hit and run -Credit:Crimestoppers
Officers work at the scene of the incident -Credit:Rob Browne / WalesOnline
A statement from Gwent Police read: “Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information, including CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam footage, is asked to contact us.” You can contact them online, via 101 or by sending a direct message on social media quoting log reference 2500012080.
Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. You will receive updates from us daily.