‘Out-of-control’ car ploughs into children in Norton (From Gazette & Herald)

‘Out-of-control’ car ploughs into children in Norton

11:41am Wednesday 16th December 2009 in News By Karen Darley

THE parents of two young teenagers say they are lucky to be alive after a car careered out of control knocking them both to the ground.

Leo Rowell and his friend, Emily Keal, who are both pupils at Lady Lumley’s School in Pickering, were returning from a birthday meal to celebrate Leo’s 14th birthday when the incident took place.

As Leo’s family dropped off Emily at her home in St Nicholas Street, Norton, on Friday evening, a vehicle leaving the nearby car park, crashed into a parked car before skidding out of control.

The car then crashed into their car, knocking Leo and Emily over before speeding off.

Leo’s father, Derek, who was also standing on the footpath with his wife and Emily’s mother, Di, said that if his car had not been there they would all have been killed.

“We all feel very lucky to be here,” Mr Rowell said.

“By sheer luck, our family car – which was parked on the street – deflected this car back on to the road.

“If it hadn’t been there, this could have cost five people their lives.”

Mr Rowell added that within minutes neighbours in St Nicholas Street had come out to help.

“Leo was quickly covered with a duvet and surrounded by what I can only describe as tender loving care.

“The whole street pulled together as a team, taking time to keep my son calm.”

Mr Rowell said that Leo had been terrified by the incident.

“He was very upset and in a lot of pain, but we were allowed to take him home after he was treated by the ambulance crew.

“Thanks to the good neighbours in St Nicholas Street we are getting back on track. All I can say is God bless them – every one.”

Thirteen-year-old Emily’s father, Howard, said he had been in their house when he heard a loud bang.

“The next thing, Di came rushing through the door saying the children have been run over.

“I quickly rang for an ambulance and the police and rushed outside.”

He said Emily had been knocked over on to her back and Leo, who lives in East Ayton, was still lying on the ground and was shaken.

“They had an extremely lucky escape and it is frightening to think how serious this could have been.”

Mr Keal also praised nearby residents and the emergency crews for their rapid response.

“All our neighbours were absolutely brilliant, as were the police and medical staff, who were on the scene incredibly quickly,” he said.

* A 21-year-old local man was arrested and has been released on police bail until January.