Scooter riders join hunt for silver Volvo thought to have hit Jade (From Salisbury Journal)

Scooter riders join hunt for silver Volvo thought to have hit Jade

1:27pm Friday 1st March 2013 in Headlines

HUNDREDS of scooter riders from across Dorset and Hampshire have joined in the hunt for a driver involved in the crash which killed teenager Jade Clark.

A silver Volvo XC90 failed to stop after the 16-year-old suffered fatal injuries on the A31 near Ashley Heath roundabout.

Jade was riding her red scooter when she was struck by several vehicles between the Verwood on-slip road and the A338 off-slip road on Sunday evening.

Touched by the tragedy, scooter enthusiasts are now helping in the search for the Volvo driver. Father-of-three Colin McDonald, who helps run the Newtown Cons scooter club in Poole, said: “We want to show our support. Any of our children, or grandchildren, could have been involved in that crash.

“A picture of a car similar to the one involved has been posted on our Facebook page and hundreds of scooter riders are now helping police to track down the driver. As well as helping in the search, we are planning to turn out in force at a memorial event for Jade in Ringwood on Saturday, March 9.

“It will be a show of strength, involving hundreds of riders, from clubs all over Dorset and Southampton. As well as Newtown Cons, riders from the Ringwood and Moordown scooter clubs will be turning out and members of the Dorset-based Modrapheniacs.”

He added: “As well as showing our respects we will be donating to a collection for Jade’s family. The response has been phenomenal.”

“We think this is a really dangerous stretch of road and want the speed limit reduced. Sixteen-year-olds on a busy dual carriageway don’t stand a chance on a 50cc scooter which can’t do more than 30 mph.

“They haven’t got the power to accelerate away and get themselves out of trouble, if they see a car coming towards them. It’s the same as travelling on a pedal cycle on a dual carriageway. I ride a 125cc scooter which can do around 70mph to 80 mph; the smaller ones are gutless.

“The slightest gust of wind can knock you off and into the path of a car. It’s so sad that a 16-year-old, with her whole life ahead of her, has gone.”

“How on earth can you hit a young girl on a scooter without realising what you have done? Leaving her there is so callous; it beggars belief.”

Jade’s sister Corrina Louise Clark has described her as “an amazing, sister, amazing daughter and an amazing aunty.”

Referring to touching Facebook tributes in Jade’s memory; she posted: “It’s hard reading the comments but just wanted people to know that we appreciate all their support; it is really nice seeing how much Jade was loved.

“It doesn’t seem real, expecting her to walk through the door. Everyone is being supportive. Just wanna say thanks; it really means a lot. By the looks of it she really did touch a lot of hearts xx”

Jade’s former teacher Rachel Haward said: “Such a tragic loss of a precious life. My heart goes out to all her family, friends and everyone involved. May precious happy memories help you heal.”

The Coroner has been informed and a post mortem is due to be held this morning.