A 17-month-old girl has been killed while playing her backyard after police stormed a property during a pursuit in Western Sydney on Thursday night.

The toddler was struck down and sustained critical injuries during the raid in Constitution Hill, and later died at The Children’s Hospital in Westmead from her injuries.

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Police were pursuing a stolen car driven by an offender believed to be a “risk to the community” when the car veered off the road and crashed into the backyard where the girl was playing with her siblings.

Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli said the outcome was an “absolute tragedy” and the police involved were devastated.

“My condolences goes out to the family and friends of that child it is a pain that no parents should go through,” he said.

The driver fled the scene on foot and is still on the run, while a 23-year-old woman is assisting police with their enquiries.

The Professional Standards Command will oversee an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Constitution Hill Update: witnesses have told me police were in pursuit of a vehicle when the child has been struck. pic.twitter.com/HEn6MqIoMs

— Shannon Carr (@ShannonCarr_10) January 8, 2015