Man, 59, killed in hit-and-run tragedy (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Man, 59, killed in hit-and-run tragedy

10:14am Tuesday 31st July 2012 in News By Hannah Postles, T&A Reporter

A pedestrian died in hospital yesterday after a hit-and-run crash on one of Bradford’s busiest main roads.

Police say a 59-year-old man was struck by a white Seat Ibiza, which was “immediately” driven from the scene in Keighley Road, near Lister Park, Manningham , at about 8.50am yesterday.

The victim was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary where he later died of his injuries. He was not being named by police until his relatives have been traced.

A 21-year-old Bradford man was last night being held in police custody after he was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Two other men have been arrested in connection with the incident in which a second car was also thought to be involved.

They have now been released on police bail pending further inquiries, police said today.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information about the fatal crash.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “It is believed the victim had been in collision with a Seat Ibiza car which made off from the scene immediately after the incident.

“A Toyota Yaris was also believed to be driving with the Ibiza at the time of the incident.

“Both vehicles were later recovered and are being forensically examined by officers.”

Police cordoned off Keighley Road, between Oak Lane and Emm Lane, for several hours yesterday and drivers were urged to avoid the area.

The West Yorkshire Police helicopter was also called in to carry out a search of the area.

Officers carrying clipboards could be seen examining the crash scene, while others helped to divert traffic until the roads reopened later in the day.

Councillor Ishtiaq Ahmed (Respect, Manningham) described the area as an “accident blackspot” and said there had been four incidents on the road in the last three months.

In May, the Telegraph & Argus reported a pedestrian had to have a leg amputated after suffering serious injuries when he was struck by a car. The 21-year-old man was standing on the pavement when the Subaru Impreza ploughed into a nearby bus shelter, hitting the roadside wall and causing him horrific injuries.

And in June, an eight-year-old boy was rushed to hospital by air ambulance, which landed in Lister Park, after a car went out of control on the road. Two women were also injured, one with head injuries.

Coun Ahmed said: “There have been a few accidents over the last few months and it’s something’s that’s been brought to my attention. It’s something I will be raising with the police and the Council.

“My thoughts go out to the man’s family. It’s a very tragic thing to have happened.”

Police have appealed for witnesses who saw either vehicle shortly before the incident or anyone who has information about the occupants of either of them to come forward.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on (01924) 293047 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.