Police are appealing for witnesses after a distressing incident in Kirton where a pushchair was seen rolling into the path of an oncoming lorry.
Lincolnshire Police say they were called to the A16 at the junction with Middlegate Road West at 12.21pm on Monday 5 January, following reports that a woman appeared to let go of a pushchair, allowing it to roll directly into the carriageway.
As the pushchair was struck by the lorry, witnesses reported seeing what was described as a “white or pink bundle” fly into the air, leading to immediate fears that a baby had been involved. Significant emergency resources were deployed, including police, ambulance crews and a drone unit, while extensive searches of the area were carried out.
Officers have since confirmed that no baby was found and that no pushchair was left at the scene. It is now believed the buggy was empty at the time of the collision.
The lorry driver has been identified and spoken to by officers. Police are now keen to trace the woman involved, primarily to ensure her welfare following what was described as a very upsetting incident.
The woman is described as being in her twenties, wearing a three-quarter length brown jacket and trousers. It is believed she had been walking along Middlegate Road West and appeared to be crossing the A16 towards Middlegate Road East, in the direction of Frampton, shortly before the collision.
Despite extensive house-to-house enquiries, CCTV reviews and appeals for dashcam footage, officers have so far been unable to identify the woman and are now asking the public for help.
Anyone who was travelling along the A16 Station Road at the time, or who recalls seeing a woman with an empty pushchair in the area leading up to the incident, is urged to come forward.
Police say the incident was naturally distressing for those involved and that their priority is to locate the woman to check that she is safe and well.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101, quoting Incident 209 of 5 January, by emailing force.control@lincs.police.uk with the same reference, or anonymously via Crimestoppers. In an emergency, always call 999.
