A manhunt is under way after a callous driver ploughed down a toddler on Monday.
The three-year-old boy was left fighting for his life after the hit-and-run near the Castle Meadows estate on the Skehard Road in Cork city.
It happened at around 4pm and it is believed the car was found abandoned a short time later.
The boy was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Cork where he remains in a serious condition.
A witness said: “The car was flying, the poor boy didn’t have a chance.”
Residents were shocked following the incident, in what is described as a “quiet area”.
One said: “The poor boy, it’s a parent’s worst nightmare. I hope he pulls through.”
Boy, 3, seriously injured in hit-and-run in Co Cork
Another added: “So awful for this to happen, it’s such a quiet area. So sad.”
A local told the Irish Mirror: “The area is really busy, loads of business parks around it. There was a car abandoned in Ballinure beside the GAA pitch – right beside a halting site.”
A Garda spokesman added: “The young boy was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Cork.
“His condition is understood to be serious.
“The scene of the incident is preserved and Garda forensic collision investigators have been requested to attend and examine the crash site.
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“Investigating gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact them.
“They are particularly appealing to motorists with dash cams who were driving in the Skehard Road and Castle Meadows area between 3.30pm and 4.30pm to contact them.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda station on 021 452 2000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.”
