Pensioner, 81, dies after being struck by van in Norris Green hit and run

An 81-year-old man has died after being struck by a van in a hit and run in Norris Green, Liverpool, on Sunday. The pensioner was rushed to hospital in a 'critical condition' but passed away on Monday evening.

After an urgent police appeal was issued to identify the man, his family were traced on Monday afternoon, before the he died, and they are being supported by specially trained officers. 

The man was struck by a silver Ford Transit van which was travelling along Utting Avenue East after coming off the Broadway roundabout at around 6.30pm on Sunday. The driver failed to stop following the collision. Merseyside Police issued an appeal for witnesses and later spotted the vehicle parked up at the junction of nearby Hollingbourne Place and Hollingbourne Road.

A 24-year-old man from Norris Green and a 44-year-old woman from Westvale in Kirkby were arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drug driving offences. They have been released on police bail pending further enquiries. A silver van has been seized.

Following further enquiries officers arrested a 37-year-old man from Mossley Hill on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He is in police custody for questioning. Police continue to appeal for any witnesses, CCTV and dash camera footage which may assist the investigation. 

Detective Sergeant Jason Higham, from Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family, and they are being supported at this difficult time. I would like to thank those that helped at the scene of the incident on Sunday night, and who have helped with our enquiries to identify the man which assisted in finding his family before he died."

Detective Sergeant Higham added: “Despite three arrests having been made in connection with the man's death, I appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident or saw a silver van being driving around the area or parked on Hollingbourne Place or Hollingbourne Road with damage to the front of it to please get in touch.

“The investigation is ongoing, and I would ask that if you were in the area at the time or saw the van driving from the scene or being parked up to please review your CCTV or dashcam in case something that may help the investigation was captured. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could help us with our ongoing enquiries."

How to contact police: Anyone who witnessed the collision or captured anything on CCTV or dashcam is asked to contact Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, or email [email protected]. Alternatively, DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 24000203760.