A VAN driver has been quizzed by police after a pedestrian was killed in hit-and-run crash.

The man, 28, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after the 71-year-old grandfather died on Friday evening.

The incident happened at about 6.25pm in Idle Road, Eccleshill, Bradford, where police say the driver of a blue Peugeot Bipper van struck the pensioner near the junction with Myers Lane, close to the Swing Gate pub.

Floral tributes have been placed at the scene with one poignant message from the deceased man’s granddaughter reading: “Rest in peace, Grandad. Taken from us too soon. I’m going to miss you so much. Love you always and forever, Kirsty.”

Police said the injured man was treated by paramedics at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later. His identity has not yet been released.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “The vehicle, which had been heading in the direction of Bolton Road at the time of the collision, left the scene down Myers Lane.

“It was found parked up in nearby street at about 8pm.”

Officers have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw the movements of the van or the victim in the moments leading up to it to come forward. 

About ten police vehicles could be seen at the scene on Friday evening and the road was cordoned off from the junction with Bolton Road up to the Swing Gate pub.

The road was reopened shortly after 11pm on Friday.

People have taken to Facebook to express their shock and sympathy at the fatality and leave messages for the man’s family.

One said: “Poor man. RIP. Poor family. The roads are getting so, so bad. So sad.”

Another posted: “I've seen paramedics with him earlier. Sad to hear he didn’t make it, poor man. Poor family.”

Witness have been urged to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team via 101, quoting log number 1416 of September 23.