'I'm a bit shocked' parked car in Laois smashed by passing tractor in hit-and-run

A Laois family is appealing for more witnesses after their parked car was smashed possibly beyond repair, by a passing tractor. in a hit-and-run road collision.

The driver of the tractor, described as a young male, reportedly got out to look at the damage then drove off, according to a witness, with the incident reported to Gardaí.

The 152 Volkswagon Passatt had been parked on Castle Street in Durrow when the crash happened, at about 4.30pm on Friday, April 10.

It is the only car of the Doyle family from Rathdowney. It had to be towed away to a garage, and is awaiting insurance assessment on whether it is worth repairing, or must be written off.

Images of the smashed black VW Passat with its side and window smashed. 

Chloe Doyle had driven her mother's car to her job in the Castle Arms, Durrow that day.

She spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live after making an appeal for witnesses on social media.

"I had parked it there at 3pm, there's no parking in the village at all. I was running late so I parked it intending to move it but I forgot it was there.

"Witnesses came in and told customers a black Passat had been hit, I heard them talking but you never think it's your own car. My boss then told me it was our car. I've been driving it since my car broke down a few months ago. We have no car at all now. My dad has a company van he can only drive for work.

"I'm a bit shocked. I am very annoyed about them driving away. They could have had the decency to stay, the fact they just drove off was not nice. 

"The witness said they were driving at some speed. There is camera footage of it driving past, and Gardaí have that footage, they are trying to see if they can get a licence plate.

"Honestly, any help is appreciated," Chloe said.

She and her mother are now relying on the kindness of others to transport them to their jobs.

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"My mam's sister is driving her to work. My boss Seosamh is coming from Durrow to collect me for work every day. I couldn't say thank you enough to him. I can't afford to buy a replacement car," Chloe said.

The witness has described a green tractor pulling a red slurry spreader. The driver is described as a young male, with a younger boy in the passenger seat. Both got out to view the damage before getting back in and driving off. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact their Garda station or phone the Doyle family on 083 042 4625.