Woman trapped by car lucky to be alive, family say

Saul Evans A silver VW Passat poking through a hedge it has crashed through. Behind it are ambulances. In the foreground firefighters and a paramedicSaul Evans
Jackie Davies was injured after she was hit by a car while out walking her dog

A woman left trapped under a car after being hit while walking her dog is "incredibly lucky to be alive", her family have said.

Jackie Davies, 63, suffered "significant injuries" and had to undergo surgery following the incident, which happened on Rowan Way, Newport, at 06:35 GMT on Monday.

She had to be freed from beneath the vehicle by firefighters and is in a stable condition in hospital, with German Shepherd Frisby suffering minor injuries.

Gwent Police said the occupants of the vehicle, a silver Volkswagen Passat, fled the scene.

Since then, Crimestoppers has issued an image of a man called Ian Probert, who they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.

Crimestoppers A photo of Ian Probert shows him looking at the camera. He has short hair flecked with grey, some facial hair and brown eyes. He is wearing a white T-shirt.Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers has released this image of Ian Probert, who police wish to speak to in connection with the incident

"We're delighted to say that her dog, Frisby, somehow managed to escape with only minor injuries and is currently staying with family," Ms Davies' family said.

A statement released by the family said they wanted to thank staff from Welsh Air Ambulance, the Welsh Ambulance Service, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Gwent Police "for their speed and incredible work to free her from underneath the vehicle".

They also thanked a local resident and staff from a nearby nursing home "who reacted so quickly and selflessly to help", as well as the blood donors who donated the blood used in her transfusion and staff at University Hospital Wales.

"Without their quick actions or the generosity of blood donors, our mother may not be with us today," the family added.

Saul Evans A silver VW Passat poking through a hedge it has crashed through.  In the foreground are firefightersSaul Evans
Jackie Davies had to undergo surgery following the incident, her family say

They said they were incredibly touched by the significant outpouring of well wishes and concern from local residents and beyond.

The family reiterated the police appeal for information "so that those responsible can be brought to justice".

Anyone with information is urged to contact police or call Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111 or online.