Incredible moment bystanders rush to lift a 1.5 ton car off a teenage cyclist, 17, after a hit-and-run driver left him fighting for his life
- Ford Focus crashed into cyclist and bollard yesterday, trapping the teenager
- Locals quickly lifted the vehicle up to rescue the badly-injured cyclist
- He is now in hospital while police hunt the driver, who ran off after the crash
Incredible footage shows the moment members of the public lifted a car from a seriously injured cyclist following a hit and run in east London.
The 17-year-old was left fighting for his life after he was stuck under a Ford Focus which crashed into him in Poplar, east London yesterday evening.
He was rescued from beneath the vehicle by a group of around a dozen locals, who quickly ran to the scene and lifted the car to get the teenager out.
Separate footage shows the car had sparks flying out from its undercarriage before the crash. It also shows two people dress in black running from the vehicle after it ploughed into the cyclist.
Incredible footage shows the moment a group of passersby lift a car from an injured cyclist
Separate footage shows two people running from the car, leaving the cyclist trapped
The dark red Ford crashed into the cyclist on Poplar High Street shortly before 7pm yesterday evening.
The driver then ran off and police have so far been unable to track them down.
The teenage cyclist was left wedged under the car, which crashed into a bollard and had smoke rising from its crumpled bonnet.
Footage filmed by a passerby shows shouts and screams as local residents realise what has happened and rush to help.
A group of around 15 people then lift the one and half ton car while others get the teenager out.
The cyclist was then rushed to hospital in a critical condition. His injuries are expected to be life-changing.
A photo of the aftermath of the hit and run shows the car smashed into a roadside bollard
The car crashed on a junction of Poplar High Street and side road early yesterday evening
Police have appealed for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage of the build-up to the crash or the incident itself to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Lauren Brady said today: ‘This is being treated as a grievous bodily harm with intent investigation.
‘We believe the victim was deliberately targeted and was dragged a significant distance underneath the vehicle.
‘I know there were a number of witnesses and anyone who hasn’t contacted police, or people with any dash-cam footage, are asked to call police via 101 quoting reference Cad 6546/09Sep. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.’
The cyclist was left trapped under the car and was rushed to hospital after being rescued