Nurse left 'terrified' after suffering leg injury in hit-and-run in Edinburgh

A mental health nurse says she has been left “terrified” of getting back behind the wheel after she was knocked down in a hit-and-run in Edinburgh.

Lynda Joyce, who works at Royal Edinburgh Hospital, was travelling as a passenger in her partner Shaun’s car prior to the incident on Calder Road on Sunday night.

At around 8.30pm, they noticed a grey or silver Mitsubishi on the road without any lights on, and Shaun flashed his own lights at the car to make the driver aware.

The Mitsubishi is then said to have swerved in front of the couple.

When the car stopped, Shaun approached and spoke with the driver while Lynda walked to the front of the car to note down the registration.

She said the driver was not prepared to share any details and immediately restarted the car when Shaun contacted police, driving straight at Lynda.

Lynda said: “I fell on the bonnet and off the side, then the car drove over the top of my leg.”

Dozens of police officers attended the scene, and Lynda was transported to hospital by ambulance.

She suffered an extensive crush injury to her leg, as well as gravel burns and bruising all over her body.

Lynda was told by medics she is also at risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis due to her injuries and will require to attend follow-up appointments.

Lynda sustained an extensive crush injury Lynda Joyce

She remains in significant pain following the incident and cannot walk unaided.

Lynda added: “It doesn’t feel real. I don’t think I’ve really had time to process it.

“I’m terrified of getting back in the car. I’ve been closing my eyes in the car on the way to and from the hospital.

“I don’t know how I’ll be as a driver going forward.

“The fear is just terrible.”

Police confirmed that officers responded to report of a crash involving a female pedestrian at around 8.45pm on Sunday, November 1.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Emergency services attended and the woman was taken to hospital for treatment.

“The car left the scene and enquiries are ongoing to trace the car and the occupants.”

Dr Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West, described the incident as “serious”.

In a statement shared on social media, he said: “Beyond the physical injuries, incidents like this can leave lasting emotional scars for victims, their families and all those who witness them.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe on our roads, whether they are driving, cycling or simply going about their daily lives.”