A two-year-old boy and his 10-year-old sister waiting excitedly to celebrate Eid were instead today lying critically injured in hospital after a hit-and-run accident.
Raham Saleem and his sister Sabam were knocked down by a silver Vauxhall Astra in Brudenell Road, Hyde Park, Leeds, at around 5.20pm yesterday, as they walked home after buying onions for the family's Eid celebrations.
West Yorkshire Police said the driver slowed down to see what had happened, then sped away from the scene.
The children under went surgery at Leeds General Infirmary where they are in a critical condition.
Detective Superintendent Paul Taylor of the homicide and major inquiry team who is leading the investigation, said: "They went to the shop to buy some onions for their mam, preparing for the Eid celebrations today.
"They were crossing the road and they were struck by a vehicle, both were injured and underwent operations overnight.
"We are very concerned about their condition."
The detective said: "Her parents have told us that Sabam in particular couldn't wait to celebrate Eid today, and instead she is now fighting for her life in a hospital bed.
"Her father has told us little Sabam is the apple of his eye and as his eldest, is a big help to him and her mum. She enjoys reading and already likes to fuss over her younger brother and sister.
Mr Taylor said Raham, who was due to start nursery in October, is described as being full of energy.
He said: "We have recovered good-quality CCTV of the collision and are examining that in detail at the moment. We know the car was a silver or grey 98-2005 series Vauxhall Astra and I would ask the driver or anyone who was a possible passenger in the car to come forward immediately. I would urge them to contact us now before receiving a knock on the door from detectives.
"Again, I would ask anyone who has information to contact us now as a matter of urgency."
Having walked only a couple of hundred yards from the shop, the children had crossed near the Makkah Masjid Mosque.
The road is used as a cut through locally, but has speed bumps, Mr Taylor said.
Detectives know the car is a mark four model, meaning it was made between 1998 and 2005.
"We know the vehicle slowed down and we know they have then sped off," he said. "I would appeal to that driver to come forward so he or she can tell us what happened."
CCTV has already been examined and experts will study more footage in a bid to identify the car's registration number.
"This is a small, close-knit community and people want to help," the detective said.
The Eid celebrations mark the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims.
The children went on the errand with a cousin who escaped injury.
