On the evening of April 21, 2023, a distressing incident unfolded outside a Shell petrol station on the A1067 Fakenham Road in Taverham, Norfolk. 29-year-old Raychel Hardingham fell from a moving blue Volvo, along with a child. The incident, occurring at approximately 9:54 pm, resulted in Hardingham sustaining life-altering injuries, necessitating immediate hospitalization. While the child involved suffered only minor injuries and was released after a short two-day stay, Hardingham remained in the hospital for three weeks before being discharged.

Following the incident, an investigation was initiated, leading to Hardingham being charged in June 2023 with several serious offenses related to child welfare. The charges included assault, ill-treatment, neglect, and abandoning a child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury. However, Hardingham failed to appear before the Norwich Magistrates’ Court for her scheduled hearing, prompting authorities to issue a warrant for her arrest and launch an urgent search to locate her. Norfolk Constabulary has confirmed that she remains wanted.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are also seeking to identify a potential witness. A woman driving a white BMW 1 Series reportedly stopped at the scene to offer assistance but had left before law enforcement arrived. Investigators believe this individual may possess valuable information related to the circumstances surrounding the fall and are appealing for her to come forward.

The incident has shocked the local community, with Taverham Parish Council chairman Caroline Karimi-Ghovanlou expressing her dismay and concern for the well-being of Hardingham and the child. The unsettling nature of the event has left residents disturbed, highlighting the unexpectedness of such occurrences in their typically tranquil community.

Norfolk Constabulary is urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact them immediately. This includes individuals who may have witnessed the event, possess dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident, or have any other information that could assist in their investigation. Specifically, they are asking anyone with relevant information to contact DS Richard Dickinson at Swaffham police station, quoting the reference number NC-21042023-544. The police are actively pursuing all leads and working to gather a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired.

This incident underscores the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, particularly children. The urgency of locating Hardingham stems not only from her failure to appear in court but also from the serious nature of the charges against her, which raise concerns about potential ongoing risks to the child involved. The ongoing investigation emphasizes the commitment of law enforcement to protect children and hold those accountable for actions that endanger their welfare. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any information that might contribute to the resolution of this case.

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