A mother and her two-year-old son had been visiting family when they were hit by a Volkswagen Bora on Stoney Stanton Road at around 9pm on Sunday.
The boy has today been named as Umar Akhalwaya died of his injuries in hospital, while his mother, 32, suffered multiple fractures and remains in a critical condition, West Midlands Police said.
Police said the driver of the vehicle, a 39-year-old man, stopped at the scene and is assisting officers with their inquiries.
Surinder Kaur, who lives on Stoney Stanton Road, said she was watching television in her living room when she heard a loud bang and screaming.
She told Coventry Telegraph: “I came out of my house and I could see clothes all over the road and then I saw the baby underneath the car.
“A lot of people came out of their houses. I shouted for someone to help. I think everyone was in shock.
“Someone brought out blankets and some people lifted the car and placed the baby on the blanket.”
Surinder and her friend Gurbax Kaur say they are both shocked by last night’s incident and thinking of the family.
Gurbax said: “I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about it. I can’t imagine what the family must be going through today.”
Surinder said the ambulance service arrived and performed CPR on the young boy before he was taken to hospital.
She added: “He’s such a tiny boy, it’s so sad. I was praying for him.
“The police were here until around 3am taking photograph
Detective sergeant Paul Hughes said: “Some witnesses have come forward and I am grateful to everyone who has spoken to us. There was many people at the scene and if anyone witnessed the collision and hasn’t yet spoken to us I would urge them to make contact.
“I would ask people at this stage not to speculate on what happened and to consider the further distress this may cause the family. They need our combined support to help them through this dreadful time.
“Specialist family liaison officers are with the family who are understandably distraught; they are being kept fully updated.”
