Dragged woman faces lengthy recovery

Police were yet to locate the driver who hit her and then fled the scene. Photo / File

A young woman dragged more than 50m by a hit-and-run driver early yesterday faces a long road to recovery but was able to speak to police this morning and is recovering "better than expected".

The 20-year-old underwent surgery in Middlemore Hospital yesterday after being struck on Stonex Rd, Papatoetoe, about 2.35am.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant Alan Symonds, said police had been able to speak to the victim this morning but were not able to reveal what she had said.

"Hopefully she'll be able to get us a better indication of what was going on when she was hit."

Her family was by her side as she began the "long road to recovery", Mr Symonds said.

"She's recovering perhaps better than could be expected. She's bounced back reasonably well."

Police were yet to locate the driver who hit her and then fled the scene, and they continued to appeal to anyone with information to come forward.

His partner Gloria Rotohiko also rushed to the scene from their house around the corner.

She said the young woman continually called out for her mum as they tried to comfort her while waiting for emergency services.

The woman's face was badly cut and covered in blood so they could not see who she was, and she had severe injuries to her back and buttocks.

"And her clothes were all torn. Just from where the blood started, it was at least 50 to 60 metres she was dragged," Ms Rotohiko said.

Anyone with information about what happened should contact Counties Manukau Police on (09) 261 1300 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.