A HIT-AND-RUN driver has left a family facing a hefty repair bill which could scupper plans they had to spend their hard-earned savings on a holiday.
Martyn Wickens and his girlfriend Amy Owens were on their way to Sainsbury’s, in West Green, with Amy’s two young children, when their car was hit by a BMW being driven by a woman.
Martyn, 33, said: “We were in a Seat Leon waiting to turn left in the slip road for Sainsbury’s. We were in the left-hand lane.
“The other driver was in a BMW X1, it was a 50 to 60-year-old woman driver. She drove into the door of the car. She bounced off of us and turned right totally in the wrong lane.
“We didn’t get a chance to get the number plate but two witnesses got the plate and brought it back to us. We gave this to the police.”
Martyn said that he, Amy and the children spent three hours at Crawley Hospital where the boy was given painkillers for an injured shoulder and the girl complained of stomach pains from where her seatbelt had tightened.
Martyn, of Lavant Close, Gossops Green, called on other witnesses to come forward and described how the family must now spend their savings on repairs.
He added: “We have scrimped and saved for a family holiday. It’s what we have worked for and now we are faced with all of this.
“I was worried about the kids and my girlfriend. Amy doesn’t want to go out now or get in a car.
“It is just thoughtless and it was totally bad driving.”
Police confirmed they are appealing for information following the incident, which happened at around 7.10pm on Wednesday (December 21).
A spokesman said: “A grey SEAT and a grey BMW collided as they came from the A23 Crawley Avenue. Following the collision the BMW was driven from the scene and police are working to trace the driver, who was believed to be a woman.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information which may assist the investigation is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 1211 of 21/12.”