Police are trying to trace the driver of a car that hit a woman so hard she was hurled into the air and left with serious injuries.
The 31-year-old was struck by the Vauxhall Vectra close to the Errigle on the Ormeau Road in South Belfast on Saturday night.
The car believed to have been involved was later found burnt out on the outskirts of North Belfast , near Ballysillan.
Police say that as the woman crossed the Ormeau Road she “was stuck by a silver vehicle which failed to stop at the scene”.
A spokesman added: “The young woman is currently in hospital being treated for serious injuries which are potentially life changing.
“While I am thankful for those witnesses who have already come forward and would also like to thank those people who assisted the injured woman in the immediate aftermath of the collision, I need anyone who saw the incident or anyone who may have dash cam footage to contact police.
“I am particularly keen to speak with anyone who witnessed a silver coloured car bearing substantial frontal damage leaving the scene.
“I specifically want to identify and speak to the occupants of a silver Vauxhall Vectra, registration LEZ6283, that was later found burnt out at 2.50am on the Ballyutoag Road area just outside North Belfast.
“I also want anyone who saw the silver Vauxhall in the days leading up to just before 10.50pm on Saturday evening in South Belfast, through to 2.50am in the early hours of Sunday when it was discovered, to contact police.
“A 29-year-old male arrested on Monday, March 18 in North Belfast in connection with our ongoing investigation has been released pending further enquiries.”
The police say they need the public to “help to identify the driver responsible for this incident and put them before the courts”.
Belfast Live understands CCTV footage from the area shows the moment the lady was struck by the car and that the impact was so severe she was thrown into the air.
Police are asking that anyone who witnessed the incident “or have dash cam installed in your vehicle, and were driving in south or north Belfast on Saturday evening, please review your footage and contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1463 16/03/2019 if you can help us”.
They added that people can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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