02-08-2025
Boy, 11, thought ‘he was going to die' after being knocked down in hit and run
A young boy who suffered two broken hips in a hit-and-run crash while riding an e-scooter has said: "I thought I was going to die."
Bradley Hooper, 11, was riding his cousin's e-scooter when he was hit by a black Vauxhall coming from Sullivan Road into Montague Avenue, Sholing.
His mum Hollie Hooper, 30, was told by a witness he went "down like a ragdoll' in the incident on Wednesday just after 7.20pm.
Speaking while still in hospital, Bradley said the people in the car 'drove off and left me'.
He said: 'I thought I was going to die and thought: 'I love my family, and my mum is my angel'.
'I have scary dreams of them coming to get me and running me over again."
Bradley added: 'Thank you to everyone who cares for me and loves me.'
Devastated mum-of-four Hollie said Bradley is waiting to see if he needs surgery.
She said he is worried about returning home to Sholing in case the drive comes back.
Some of the injuries sustained by Bradley Hooper (Image: Hollie Hooper) She said: 'I want to get justice for my son and find out who did this.
'Bradley went flying off the scooter and was screaming in pain. He moved out of the road and onto the pavement where he collapsed. It happened so fast.'
Hollie was out shopping at the time and first heard about the crash when her nephew and brother called her.
'I rushed there as soon as I could when they told me and the police were on the scene straight away', she said.
'The driver nearly killed Bradley and I am disgusted and mortified.'
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Bradley Hooper with mum Hollie and dad Harry (Image: Hollie Hooper) Hollie said she has not slept since the incident as she is trying to find out the identity of the driver.
In a plea to the public, she said: 'Please come forward. If you are a parent, how would you feel if this was your child?
'It is horrific that someone could leave a child for dead – they left before realising Bradley was alive.
'I want to thank the Sholing and Thornhill community and everyone who has helped us so far.'
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed an investigation into the incident is underway.
A spokesperson said: 'We were called at 7.21pm on July 30 with reports of a car colliding with a pedestrian on Montague Avenue.
'The pedestrian, an 11-year-old boy, sustained fractures to his hips.
'The car involved did not remain at the scene.
'Enquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to report this directly to police on 101, quoting 44250342256. You can also submit information to us online.'
