Police hunt driver after retired taxi driver is killed in hit and run

Officers have named the victim of the Leighton Road fail to stop collision who has now died as they continue to appeal for help to trace the whereabouts of a man wanted in connection with the incident. Although formal identification awaits, officers are confident that the victim is 77-year-old Richard Dougherty from Camden. Police were called to Leighton Road, NW5 at 0235hrs on Thursday, 23 August to reports of a traffic collision. At the scene a Nissan Primera vehicle had been in collision with Mr Dougherty, who was walking, before crashing into the front garden of a house. Mr Dougherty was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service having suffered a severe head injury. He died on Tuesday, 4 September. His next of kin are aware. Formal identification awaits. The occupants of the vehicle, which is believed to have been stolen, made off from the scene on foot. Due to the vehicle leaking fuel and being at risk of catching fire the immediately affected properties were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. The vehicle was made safe and residents returned to their homes. Three females aged 17, 16 and 14 who were in the vehicle also made off from the scene. They were arrested by police a few hours later on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and taken to a north London police station. They have since been released under investigation. Detective Sergeant Cheryl Frost, of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC), said: “Sadly, the victim of this selfish crime has passed away and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. “We are continuing our search to find Alistair McWilliams and would like to hear from anyone who knows of his whereabouts or has seen him in the past few days. Any information, no matter how big or small, will help us to take this very selfish and dangerous man off the streets.” Anyone with information should call the Incident Room at Alperton on 0208 991 9555 quoting reference CAD874/23AUG, by dialling 101, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.