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Teenager crushed by a car driven by a leading Orangeman awaits surgery

Phoebe Clawson (16) who was run over by a car driven by a leading Orangeman, pictured in hospital
Phoebe Clawson (16) who was run over by a car driven by a leading Orangeman, pictured in hospital Phoebe Clawson (16) who was run over by a car driven by a leading Orangeman, pictured in hospital

The family of Phoebe Clawson, seriously injured after being hit by a car driven by a senior Orangeman in north Belfast, have praised her bravery as she prepares to undergo major surgery.

The 16-year-old became trapped under a car driven by prominent Orangeman John Aughey (61), who has since been charged with two counts of attempted murder.

She suffered a shattered pelvis, a broken ankle and a collarbone fracture and will require extensive surgery.

Aughey of Brae Hill in Ballysillan was bailed on Wednesday to an address outside of Belfast.

A second woman hit by the car suffered a broken wrist. Police officers were also struck as they tried to stop the vehicle.

Doctors are still assessing the teenager who will need major surgery on her pelvis and ankle and faces week of painful recovery in hospital.

Phoebe was rescued by police and members of the public who lifted the car on to its side so she could be treated at the scene.

Her mother Marie has remained her daughter’s hospital bed since the accident.

The former pupil of Mercy College in Ballysillan, has ambition to join the army cadets and pursue a career in the Irish forces.

However, because she has sustained a shattered pelvis, a broken ankle and a collarbone fracture, that career is in doubt.

Phoebe’s sister Leigha (19) expressed the family's gratitude at all those who had helped at the scene and shown support to the family.

Pictured by her sister's hospital bed this week Leigha said she was incredibly proud of Phoebe who had shown immense bravery despite the seriousness of her injuries.

Speaking about her sister Leigha said she was the "bravest wee girl I've ever met".

Adding that her sister has been "smiling through the pain" and that they can't wait to have her home to look after her and help nurse her back to health.

Leigha told the Irish News earlier this week; We’re just so grateful to the people who lifted the car from Phoebe so they could get her to the hospital.

"The doctors have said they need to look at just how bad the pelvis injury is before they know what kind of operation she needs.

"We’re very grateful to all the people who helped.

"If it wasn’t for them, who knows what could have happened?", she added.

ENDS