Miracle toddler is struck by hit-and-run driver TWICE in minutes and survives

Thomas Smylie's father screamed at the driver and a passenger that the vehicle had driven over his tiny son - only for the car to lurch forward again

Shocking: A car reversed over Thomas, who was on reins at the time

A16-month-old toddler was knocked down twice by a hit-and-run driver as he fed the ducks on a family day out at a local beauty spot.

Thomas Smylie made a miracle escape during a Sunday trip with his dad, Paul, and big sister, Tara, 15.
As the family made their way from Corbet Lough in County Down, Paul said a car reversed over Thomas, who was on reins.
Shockingly, Paul said he screamed at the driver and a passenger that the vehicle had driven over his tiny son - only for the car to lurch forward again before making off.
Paul told Belfast Live: “The car reversed, hit him with the bumper and drove over his leg.
“I yelled ‘stop’. There were two fellas in the car and the windows were open.
“One of them looked out the window, seen the child at the rear of the car where he had just driven over him, paused about a second, and just drove away.
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“He drove over his leg twice. I just could not believe it.

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Scene: The family were near Corbet Lough near Banbridge

“I had to run to the passenger wheel to get him lifted and as soon as I did that he just drove over the youngster’s leg again.
“He screeched his head off.”
Paul lifted his stricken son and ran for help.
Two ambulances responded within minutes, with Paul terrified Thomas could have sustained internal injuries.
He was taken to Daisy Hill Hospital and transferred to the Royal in Belfast.
Miraculously, Thomas escaped serious injuries - with only possible ligament damage.
Red marks on the youngster’s legs were the only visible signs of his ordeal today.
Paul said: “We were hysterical. We just don’t know how lucky we are. Had that of been above his waist, we just don’t know what would have happened.
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“If that had of been an adult, the bones would have been in bits.
“A doctor told us it was a million-to-one chance he didn’t have a broken leg, or smashed leg - or worse.
“Anywhere above the abdomen area he said he was in grave danger. We count ourselves so, so lucky. I’m absolutely disgusted.”
Thomas was discharged from the Royal this afternoon and was being nursed back to health at home this evening.
The PSNI appealed for information about the incident.

A PSNI spokesman said: “We would like to ask for your help in relation to a road traffic collision at Corbet Lake, Banbridge on Sunday 13 March 2016.
“A toddler was knocked down by a blue Volkswagen-type car and the driver left the scene at around 4:20pm.
“If anybody has any information in relation to this incident please call 101 and quote ref number: 841.”