Man in critical condition following hit and run incident

Police in south Belfast are appealing for information following the theft of a vehicle and subsequent hit and run incident in Belfast city centre on Tuesday that has left one man in hospital in a critical condition.

It is understood that the woman who owned the vehicle struggled with the thief before he managed to get in to the car, which was parked off Academy Street at the time.

However, whilst driving from the car park at around 2pm yesterday the stolen vehicle hit a pedestrian. The victim is currently being treated in hospital and his condition is said to be 'critical'.

The woman owner, who was understood to have been in the car, was carried a short distance in the vehicle before being dumped from the vehicle at Dunbar Link. Her injuries are not thought to be serious.

The car, a silver Ford Fiesta, was found burned out at Upper Springfield Road in West Belfast around 45 minutes later.

It had previously been spotted being driven in an erratic manner at Norglen Parade just before 2.30pm.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact Musgrave Street on 028 9065 0222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(MB/SP)