Man, 27, is charged over hit-and-run crash that killed four-year-old girl 

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A man has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a four-year-old girl.

Violet-Grace Youens died in hospital in her mother's arms on Saturday after she was struck by a stolen black Ford Fiesta while walking through St Helens, Merseyside, on Friday.

Her grandmother, Angela French, 55, was also injured in the crash and is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

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Violet-Grace Youens was knocked down by a black Ford Focus as she walked with her grandmother in St Helens, Merseyside, on Friday afternoon

On Tuesday, a spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: 'A 27-year-old man has tonight been charged with assisting an offender, theft of a motor vehicle and the aggravating offence of allowing oneself to be carried within a stolen vehicle.

'Dean Ian Brennan, who is from the Prescot area, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Liverpool Magistrates' Court tomorrow.'  

Two men jumped out of the car and fled the scene of the crash at 3pm on Friday. 

Police arrested the 27-year-old man they think was driving but feared his 23-year-old passenger wearing a blue T-shirt and shorts was hiding abroad.

Chief Inspector Chris Sephton said: 'We believe that a second male, aged 23, who we would like to speak to, is abroad. He left approximately three hours after the incident.

'We've been in contact with the authorities of the country where we believe he is. We're not releasing that information at present but we're doing everything we can to try and identify where he is now and get him back over here.' 

Pictured: The scene of the tragic hit-and-run collision that caused Violet fatal injuries and left her grandmother in hospital

Violet's grandmother Angela French remains in serious but stable condition after the crash

DCI Sephton added: 'That [he fled the country] gives you the measure of the type of man he is.

'A girl critically ill in hospital at the time, a nan still critically ill in hospital, the devastation at the scene and a family trying to come to terms with what has happened and this individual flees the country. That tells you all that you need to know.' 

Police have already arrested two men in connection with the incident.

A 27-year-old from St Helens, Merseyside, was been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He has been detained at a police station in Merseyside to be interviewed.

A 23-year-old from from Prescot, Merseyside, was arrested on suspicion of being carried in a stolen vehicle but police released him saying he was 'not in the car'.

Violet's mother, Rebecca Youens, spoke of her grief in an emotional post on Facebook the day after the tragic death.

She wrote: 'My beautiful baby girl passed away in my arms on 25/03/2017 at 23.38.

'Thank you for all your well wishes. She was just too poorly.

'However, my brave baby girl saved two lives by donating her kidneys and pancreas. I am truly heartbroken but proud of my little fighter.'

Violet's grandmother remains in a stable but serious condition. The four-year-old's pancreas and kidneys were donated to others. Pictured, a woman lays a tribute at the site of the hit and run

In a brief statement the family said they were 'devastated by the loss of their beautiful daughter but they wanted to organ donations to benefit other children'. Pictured, a touching note left at the side of the road

Two men jumped out of the car and fled the scene of the crash at 3pm on Friday. Pictured, a bunch of yellow flowers with a note of condolence for Violet and her family

In a brief statement the family added that they were 'Devastated by the loss of their beautiful daughter but they wanted the organ donations to benefit other children and give them a chance to lead long and happy lives'.    

Hundreds of people have since taken to social media to offer messages of support and condolence to Violet's family, using the hashtag #PrayForViolet.

One relative tweeted: 'My beautiful niece, taken far too soon. Sleep well my angel. Goodnight #PrayForViolet'

On Facebook, Phil Winterson posted: 'So sad such a sweet baby girl. Got two girls myself and couldn't dream of what there going through right now RIP little one.'

Kate Gilroy said: 'RIP Violet grace. Condolences to your family. Absolutely heartbreaking reading her mum's status this morning.' 

Hundreds of people have since taken to social media to offer messages of support and condolence to Violet's family, using the hashtag #PrayForViolet, while well wishers in the area have laid flowers

A small collection of flowers, teddies and soft toys have appeared at the site of the crash

Pictured, a woman leans down as she lays a bunch of flowers at the side of the pavement. One relative tweeted: 'My beautiful niece, taken far too soon'

Rebecca Youens said: 'Thank you for all your well wishes. She was just too poorly.' Pictured, well wishers lay flowers by the crash site

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