THE family of a young woman whose car was badly damaged in York have appealed to the public for help.

Norman Johnston said his niece was parked in George Hudson Street waiting for a friend who was picking up a takeaway when her car was hit from behind at about 9pm on Friday, February 10.

Mr Johnston said: “If she did not still have her safety belt on we believe she could have been killed. She nearly went through the window. We’re all distraught and it feels like it’s just gone away.”

Mr Johnston’s niece, who asked not to be named, said: “I was just shunted forward, and I’ve had a lot of neck and back pain. I didn’t see the car coming, so it was a big shock.”

North Yorkshire Police attended and are investigating the incident, which left the silver Toyota Yaris with serious damage and would likely have caused similar damage to the front of the red vehicle which drove away.

York Press:

Mr Johnston said: “We just hope with the help of the public we’re hoping someone can track down the red car. I know it’s not easy but it gives us a bit of a chance.

“Her car’s a write-off and she was in such a state. It knocked her that far, and he just pulled away, but the front of his car must be totally smashed up as the back of her car is pretty much in the front.

Anyone with information should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote reference number 12170023795.