A MOTHER who was run over as her baby girl was driven away by carjackers has today appealed for the public’s help to catch the thieves who risked her daughter’s life.
Police continue to investigate today after the Audi A3 was stolen in Acocks Green yesterday (July 19) with the four-week-old baby Eliza still inside.
Clare O’Neill arrived home in Marie Drive just after 4pm where two men demanded the keys to her car.
As she frantically tried to get her daughter out of the vehicle, the thieves drove off, knocking her over.
This afternoon, Clare said: “I am still extremely shaken about what has happened and we as a family are still trying to come to terms with what has happened.
“Eliza is thankfully safe and well, but the people responsible clearly knew she was in my car when it was taken, putting the life of our four week old baby at risk as a result of their personal greed.
“I have now been discharged from hospital and have sustained facial injuries, which include bruising, a broken tooth and severe pain to my right arm.
“This was caused by the wheel of my car running me over whilst I battled to stop my daughter being taken.
“Due to the injury to my arm I am now unable to hold Eliza for the next four or so weeks.
“I am appealing for people to come forward with any information about who is responsible or behind this, the life of my daughter was endangered by the reckless behaviour of those involved, please come forward and assist the police with their enquiries.
“We would also like to ask for some privacy at this difficult time, whilst we come to terms with what has taken place.”
Eliza was found by an ambulance crew at a health centre in Small Heath 45 minutes later, still in her car seat.
Detective inspector Jim Munro, from force CID, said: “This incident has shocked the whole of our force area and we will leave no stone unturned in our search for the offenders
“We have a team of officers trawling through CCTV and speaking to residents in Marie Drive, as well as fast-tracking forensic analysis of the baby seat.
“We are asking anyone who may have seen the grey Audi A3 S-line with registration number BJ66 YLV since yesterday afternoon to contact us.
“We are delighted that mother and baby have been re-united and we wish Clare a speedy recovery.”
Anyone with information should call the high harm team at Stechford on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
