The brother of an 80-year-old man who died following a hit-and-run crash made an emotional appeal for witnesses to come forward.

David Naylor, the brother of Alan, who was knocked over while crossing the road, asked the public to contact the police with any information they had - no matter how small.

"We would appeal for anyone who saw him on the night as he was coming home to contact the police, even if it's the smallest thing. Alan has left a huge gap in our lives and we shall miss him greatly," he said.

Mr Naylor, who has travelled to West Yorkshire from his home in Ireland, said his brother - a retired teacher - was a quiet, private but friendly person.

"He was involved in the community and contributed a great deal. He was very interested in local history and had a number of articles published in various magazines, as well as a book of historical photographs of Birstall."

Mr Naylor's brother, who lived in Gomersal, was crossing New North Road at Six Lane Ends, Heckmondwike, at around 9.45pm last Wednesday after visiting the Old Hall pub further down the road.

He had been given a lift up the road and got out to cross over and make his way home when he was knocked down by a vehicle which failed to stop.

He was found lying in the road and died from his injuries on Sunday, in Dewsbury District Hospital.

Detective Inspector Andy Parr, of Kirklees CID, appealed for the driver to search their conscience and get in touch with police.

"I find it difficult to believe that the driver or anyone else who was in that vehicle wouldn't be aware that Mr Naylor has now passed away and I would ask them to search their conscience and to come forward to the police," he said.

"It's only a matter of time through the inquiries that we are already carrying out that we are going to get to the bottom of this and find out who has done this."

Insp Parr urged people to consider whether they knew of any cars that had sustained damage in the past week. The car involved was likely to have front-end and windscreen damage.

Mr Naylor taught at Birstall C of E School and Norristhorpe Primary. He had been studying for a Masters degree at Bradford University.

Anyone with information should contact police on (01924) 431059 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

e-mail: sunita.bhatti@bradford.newsquest.co.uk