Dad’s delight as Leeds hit and run toddler allowed to go home UPDATED

The father of two young children who were mowed down by a hit-and-run driver has said it is “a miracle” that his son has been discharged from hospital.

But the anguished father’s happiness that the two-year-old is back home is tinged with sadness as the family continue their vigil at his 10-year-old daughter Sabah’s bedside at Leeds General Infirmary.

Mr Rafique shared the horrifying moment he discovered his two children were critically injured after a hit-and-run near their family home in Leeds.

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The father-of-four had just returned home from work when he heard a bang and saw his daughter and son covered in blood on Brudenell Road, in Hyde Park.

He told the YEP: “I went running to my son and saw my daughter behind me gasping for air. There was blood everywhere.

“It was like the worst nightmare you could ever imagine.

“How could someone in their right mind just leave two innocent little children on the road and not come back?”

He added: “For the first few days I only had two hours sleep and kept going to my daughter all the time.

“She was on that many machines I just couldn’t bear it.”

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The youngsters, who both suffered serious head injuries, were returning home with their cousin after visiting a nearby shop to buy vegetables for the family’s Eid celebrations on August 18.

Rayhan’s return home has been hailed as a “miracle” by the family.

It is believed Sabah bore the brunt of the impact to protect her brother.

Rayhan, who thinks he fell while playing on a swing, has no memory of the incident.

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The toddler is currently staying at his grandparents with his other two sisters.

IT analyst Mr Rafique, 37, said: “Rayhan is slowly coming back to himself.

“It is just Sabah we need to concentrate on now.

“We have seen some positive signs from her.

“She spoke a few words but you could see she’s in pain.

“The doctors and nurses have been brilliant.”

But he said that medics have not been able to say when Sabah will be discharged.

Mr Rafique said the family were touched by the support.

“It’s been fantastic knowing there are so many good people out there,” he added.

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Police arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident; a 39-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous driving; and a 26-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All three, from Leeds, are currently on bail and have not been charged.