Woman, 19, fights for her life as police probe mystery of car park injuries

A man driving a BMW car realised he had hit something as he drove out of High Street car park opposite St Peter’s Avenue in Cleethorpes at about 3.30am yesterday, and immediately called the emergency services when he stopped to investigate and saw it was a woman.

Police believe, however, the victim had already been injured, possibly by another car, and are appealing for help in tracing a dark-coloured car, possibly a hatchback, which was seen leaving the car park shortly before the second incident.

It is thought this driver may have information vital to the investigation.

Firefighters also went to the woman’s aid before she was taken to Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, in Grimsby with suspected life-threatening injuries.

Her condition was “critical”.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm.

Humberside Police said in a statement: “It is likely that the 19-year-old girl had already been injured, possibly by another vehicle prior to the driver of the BMW leaving the car park and detectives are very keen to trace a dark coloured car, possibly a hatchback, which left the car park prior to the second incident as the driver of this car may have information which is key to the investigation.

“A full investigation is under way and police are keen to speak to anyone with information who can help establish the circumstances which led to the incident, or can help identify the black coloured car seen to leave the car park shortly before.”

A spokesman added: “Our immediate objective is to understand how the 19-year-old sustained her injuries in the first place and how she came to be seemingly incapacitated in the car park prior to being struck by the BMW.”

The car park remained closed yesterday while scenes of crime officers gathered evidence.

Anyone with information can call Humberside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.