Sister's desperate plea over suspected hit-run
The sister of April-lee Gillen, a 17-year-old girl found by the side of the road after a suspected hit-and-run near Port Kembla on Sunday morning, has taken to social media in a desperate plea for information.
Ms Gillen’s sister Kimberly posted on Facebook that she is "in ICU on life support bleeding from her brain and not breathing on her own."
"She may of (sic) been abused or a hit and run between 12.30 and 1.30," Kimberly wrote.
"Any information please let me know or if she has taken anything. Please share."
April-lee's cousin also wrote: "I love you Cuz April Lee Gillen, please pull thru this. My prayers and thoughts are with you tonight."
Police say Ms Gillen has suffered severe head injuries and the possibility of a hit-and-run is being investigated.
"She's still in a pretty bad way," said Inspector Gordon Dunlop from Lake Illawarra police.
"She is going to survive, but the extent of the injuries to her brain is still uncertain."
A number of witnesses reportedly heard a noise before discovering the girl.
Northcliffe Drive resident Lola Smith told Fairfax Media that she heard a "slight bang" around the time Ms Gillen was hit.
"It's awful," she said. "We haven't had anything like that along here before.
"I just hope the girl survives."
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.
