A mum has launched a hunt for a reckless hit and run driver who smashed into her car carrying three children on an Ayrshire road.
Joanne Duncan, 34, has told how she suffered a panic attack just minutes after the terrifying collision with a 4x4 which rammed into her BMW 1 series near Ballantrae, South Ayrshire on Sunday.
The mum-of-three from Coatbridge, was driving home from a family trip to their caravan in Stranraer before the hit and run crash.
Her three-year-old son, Joshua Duncan, six-year-old son, Lucy Duncan and her two-year-old nephew, Tommy Duncan, were in the back seats, with her sister-in-law Lynsey McNee, 34, in the front.
She told Ayrshire Live : “I just got out the car and let out a roar. I was shaking it was so surreal.
“If the van hadn’t have turned we would have been smashed right into it and sandwiched between the two.
"My car has cosmetic damage to the bumper, it doesn't look a lot compared to the impact.
“I’ve got whiplash and a bruised elbow . My wee boy has a sore back. They are only minor injuries but it could have been so much worse.”
The shaken mum was driving along the A77 just before the village when she slowed down to allow a van to turn right. Just after the van had turned the 4x4, drive by a man, then smashed into the back of her motor.
Joanne instantly stopped the car and got out to check on the kids. She claims the driver then drove off at speed.
Joanne then drove into Ballantrae where she stopped at a petrol station and broke down in tears.
Kind workers at the petrol station in the village Main Street called the police and checked their CCTV footage which showed the four by four speed past.
Joanne took to social media to track down the reckless driver.
She said: “He left two women with a car full of children showing no remorse or guilt.
“He never had any intention to stop, he’s either got no insurance or he’s hiding something.”
The 4x4 has been described as a Silver Kia Sorento with an Irish Reg, with the registration plate making it difficult for cops to track.
Numerous sightings have been flagged to Joanne, with a car with a similar description spotted in Stranraer, Colmonell and Knockdolian.
Joanne added: “The police said because it is an Irish plate, it will be difficult to trace on their database.
“I know that road really well as I go there to the caravan in Stranraer, I’m asking lorry drivers or anyone else to check their dash cam.
“The thing that hurts most is to know he is still out there posing a threat. We need to get him off the road.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers received a report of a hit and run crash on the A77 south of Ballantrae around 5.15pm on Sunday, September 25 involving two cars, one of which failed to stop at the scene.
“No-one was injured and enquiries are ongoing to trace the car involved.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
