Man arrested after nine-year-old girl suffers life-changing injuries in dirt bike hit-run in Sydney park
An 18-year-old man has been charged after a nine-year-old girl was mowed down by a dirt bike.
Emergency services were called to Haydon Park on Copperfield Drive in Rosemeadow, Sydney, about 5.45pm on Thursday, following reports the girl had been hit while playing with friends.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Hit and run leaves 9 year-old suffering.
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She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene before being taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in a serious condition.
The Year 4 student underwent emergency surgery on Thursday night and again on Friday morning.
Plastic surgeons have been called in to assess the extent of any permanent damage.
Following inquiries by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit, an 18-year-old man was arrested at a home in Ambarvale about 7.15pm on Friday.
He was taken to Campbelltown Police Station and charged with dangerous driving, causing serious injuries, and failing to stop and help after the crash.
Police also confirmed a dirt bike was seized from the home for forensic examination.
Earlier in the week, police said CCTV captured several trail bikes tearing through the park before the crash.
The rider involved was reportedly seen wearing a white helmet.
Deputy Superintendent Grant Healey said the rider stopped briefly after the crash but then rode off without helping.
“The rider would know that he hit the little girl,” Healey said.
“He did stop briefly, had a really brief conversation and rode off without helping the young child.”
Elisabeth’s family said she was supposed to be at Disney on Ice that evening.
“Now she’s having surgery, not knowing the outcome … what’s going to happen,” her aunt Brittany Rousell said.
The man was refused bail and is set to face Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.
Originally published on 7NEWS
