Leeds Hit-And-Run: Trio Released On Bail

Three men who were arrested over a hit-and-run incident in which a brother and sister were seriously injured have been released on bail, police say.

Relatives have described 10-year-old Sabah Saleem as a "little hero" as it was thought she tried to protect Rayhan, two, and took the brunt of the impact.

Sabah was left fighting for her life after the siblings were knocked down by a car in Brudenell Road, Hyde Park, Leeds, on Saturday.

The family are praying for the girl, who remains in intensive care in a critical condition.

Meanwhile, Rayhan has shown encouraging improvement in the last few days and is now walking around the ward at the hospital, they added.

West Yorkshire 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.

They also detained a 39-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous driving, and a 26-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All three have now been released on bail pending further inquiries, the force said.

The children's aunt, Saima Rafique, said: "Most likely what happened is that Sabah tried protecting her brother and she took the brunt of the accident. She's just a little hero, isn't she?"

Rayhan and Sabah, who both underwent surgery at the hospital, were hit at around 5.20pm on Saturday after buying onions for the family's Eid celebrations. A cousin, who was with the youngsters, escaped injury.

Police released an image taken from CCTV of a silver or grey mark 4 Vauxhall Astra they wanted to trace. It is understood they have now recovered a vehicle.

Detectives also said they wanted to trace a woman caught on CCTV near the scene at the time of the incident who may have witnessed what happened.

People living in the area said the road was used dangerously as a cut-through between the Kirkstall and Headingley areas of Leeds.

The children's family has called for improved safety measures on the street.