Express & Star

Hit-and-run victim Wayne gets visit from Albion stars

A young boy has been left with a broken leg after a hit-and-run outside a school in Great Barr.

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Wayne Harris was knocked down by a car as he used a zebra crossing in Hamstead Road outside Hamstead Junior School on Monday.

The five year old was on his way to a school breakfast club and with his mother Theresa Langford and sister Bethany, six, when he was hit.

The driver of the car failed to stop, and Miss Langford, 32, was unable to get a description of the vehicle as she tended to her injured son.

Ben Foster chats with the youngster

Wayne was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital where he was treated for a broken leg. His leg was put in cast. He was discharged on Tuesday.

Miss Langford said: "I was crossing at the time and next thing I knew was a car stopping to let us past, but then another car from the other side of the crossing carried on.

"It clipped Wayne and left him on the floor. I didn't look at the registration plate, my only concern was getting to Wayne as soon as possible.

"Afterwards I felt angry someone could do that - just drive off after hitting my son, but what could I do?"

Wayne with his parents

His father Colin Harris said: "I told the police I'd take this into my own hands on the day it happened, which is something I probably shouldn't have said, but it angered me.

"I can only hope they catch the person responsible."

On Tuesday, Wayne, who is a West Bromwich Albion supporter, saw his football heroes during a festive visit to the hospital organised by the club.

The players to visit were Joleon Lescott, Chris Brunt, Ben Foster, Craig Gardiner and Gareth McAuley.

McAuley, Foster and Gardiner signed his cast, as his parents watched on.

Mr Harris said: "He loved the Albion, he first went along when he was two, he's a big fan already.

"Seeing the players has cheered him up."

Police were called to the incident at 7.30am. Spokesman Deb Edmonds said the drive of the car had not stopped at the scene.

Officers are investigating the incident. Any witnesses are urged to call police on 101.

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