5-year-old Rachel Popoola critically injured in hit and run

Rachel Popoola became the victim of a hideous hit and run attack on Saturday 27 October as she crossed the road on her way to the park with her 17-year-old brother Andre. She was struck by what has been described as a as dark coloured, possibly purple van with white lines driven by a man of caucasian appearance who sped away from scene after hurling her body into the air and leaving the 5-year-old unconscious on the crossing.

Rachel, who attends Castlebar Special School was rushed to nearby North Middlesex Hospital and later transferred to the intensive care unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital. She suffered a broken jaw, cheekbone and femur, a large gash to her mouth, a burst tongue, injuries to her lungs and two broken legs. She also had to undergo a 10 hour operation to reconstruct her face.

Rachel’s mother, Donna Popoola, released pictures of her daughter in hospital in the hope that it would encourage people to come forward with any information about the attack. Describing the moment of the attack she said: "I was upstairs when I heard a scream and looked out the window. I ran out. Andre was in pieces. He picked up Rachel and a neighbour drove us to hospital. Her face was so badly hurt we thought she wasn't going to make it. I beg anyone with information to come forward. I don't know why the driver didn't stop. What if it was his child? It is just so heartless. I beg him to come forward - otherwise he'll be a prisoner within himself." She also highlighted the danger of the North Acton Road recalling an accident she witnessed three years ago in which a woman was killed crossing the road. In November 2004, mother of two, Maria Kishak was killed on the same zebra crossing where Rachel was injured.

Unfortunately, since the attack on Rachel, two other people have died on the North Acton Road. 72-year-old grandmother, Rose Cleary, was killed crossing the road exactly three weeks after the incident involving Rachel. Jennifer England was killed in January 2008 after being struck by a Ferrari. Ealing Council continue to drag their feet about introducing traffic calming measures and have instead given permission for a new bus station to be built nearby which will increase the traffic flow along the road.