Students at St Edmund’s College, Canberra struck by allegedly stolen, out-of-control car

A man allegedly stole a car with an eight-year-old girl inside from a childcare centre before later striking two boys outside a school in a horror series of events.

Two children have been hospitalised after they were run down by an allegedly stolen and an out-of-control car that veered off the road in Canberra, with police alleging a young girl was inside the car when it was taken.

The pair were struck by a green Holden Commodore station wagon on Canberra Ave near St Edmund’s College on Friday morning, ACT Police have confirmed.

A police spokesman said two boys aged 14 and 15 were taken to hospital in serious condition. One boy has since undergone surgery for his injuries.

“The same vehicle has continued along Canberra Ave before colliding with other vehicles and coming to a stop near (a shopping precinct),” police said.

Two Canberra students have been hospitalised after they were struck down by a stolen and out of control car in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The spokesman confirmed the Holden Commodore was believed to be stolen and the 31-year old male driver was in hospital under police guard.

NSW Police allege the vehicle was stolen from a childcare centre in Sutton with an eight-year old girl inside about 7.40am on Friday.

Monaro Police District officers were told a man entered the vehicle and drove off, letting the girl out a short time later unharmed about 100m down Victoria St.

“The car drove off and was sighted travelling into the ACT. No pursuit was initiated,” a NSW police spokesman said.

“NSW Police are continuing to assist ACT Police in relation to this incident.”

Two students from St Edmund’s College were taken to hospital in a serious condition. Photo: Facebook.

Police closed the road as they examined the scene. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

ACT Police Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Steel said police believed the man, who is known to police, was driving erratically through Fyshwick after it entered the ACT.

He said the driver tried to flee the collision, but was apprehended by a group of tradies who put themselves in harms way to detain him until police arrived and took him into custody.

“We’re currently conducting inquiries in relation to him,” he said.

“He’s not currently a resident of the ACT, he was most recently a resident of Victoria but has been a resident of the ACT in the past.

“(This is) traumatic for the for the boys and the families of the boys involved, our thoughts and our hearts go out to them today.”

A blue car was struck by the out of control vehicle. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

St Edmund’s College principal Tim Cleary said the injured boys’ parents were with them while they received treatment in hospital.

“The College has organised additional counsellors to support any students who may have been affected by witnessing the event or knowing the students involved,” Mr Cleary said in a letter to parents.

“Please keep the boys and their families in your prayers.”

Police are investigating after two students from St Edmond’s College in Canberra were struck by a stolen vehicle. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Originally published as Students at St Edmund’s College, Canberra struck by allegedly stolen, out-of-control car