Parika girl succumbs after struck by car

An eight-year-old girl was struck down and killed by a speeding car driven by a suspected drunken driver, who fled but was pursued and captured by public-spirited citizens following the incident which occurred at New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara last evening.

Dead is Alecia Forrester of Parika, East Bank Essequibo. Police, in a statement said that they are investigating the incident which occurred at about 6:35 pm. Investigations revealed that Forrester and her step-father Alvin Constantine, 36, were crossing the road when they were struck down by the driver of motor car PLL 2554, who was driving at a fast rate and was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, the police said.

The two pedestrians were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where Forrester was pronounced dead on arrival and Constantine admitted in a serious condition.

The driver of the car drove away from the scene of the accident but was pursued by public-spirited persons who caught him, and handed him over to the police. He is currently in custody, the release stated.