Catch this evil driver says father of dancer, 14, killed in hit-and-run

The father of a 14-year-old girl killed in a hit-and-run has appealed for help to catch the "evil" driver who "has destroyed my family".

Alessia Boschiazzo was on her way to visit friends in Croydon when she was hit by a speeding Renault Clio. The driver was seen roaring away from the scene.

Alessia's parents, Aldo and Cecilia, held a bedside vigil as she lay in hospital with severe head injuries. But she died on Friday, a week after the collision in Morland Road at 7pm on 28 February.

Mr Boschiazzo, 44, said today: "This man has destroyed my family and my life. Alessia was everything to us. If it was an accident, why didn't he stop and try to help her?

"He killed her in cold blood. This man is evil and needs to be caught. Alessia's death is being felt by everyone who knew her, hundreds of people. Life will never be the same again for us."

Mr Boschiazzo, who moved with his family from Peru to London 12 years ago, said Alessia had been celebrating being offered an audition at the Brits Academy of Arts in Croydon only days earlier. Alessia was a student at Ursuline High School, Wimbledon, and had been trying to get a place there for three years.

He said: "Ever since she was six-years-old she wanted to be a dancer. She was exceptional. She danced with choreographers at Pineapple Dance Studios and won a competition in Spain.

"She was mature and focused, but she was still the baby of the family. She had an angelic smile and was always telling us that she loved us. We were planning a big party for her 15th birthday."

Mr Boschiazzo said Alessia's sister, Angela, 18, was also struggling to cope with her death.

Witnesses described the driver, as white and in his twenties. Police have the car's registration number from CCTV footage of the incident.

Anyone with information should phone police on 020 8285 1574 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.