Private hire driver dies two weeks after falling victim to a hit and run collision

A man who was seriously injured in a collision in Oldham has sadly died.

At around 9.40pm on Saturday 1 February, police were called to reports of a collision involving two vehicles – a silver Ford Focus and a blue Toyota Avensis private hire vehicle - on Higginshaw Lane in Royton.

The four men inside the silver Ford Focus got out of the car and fled the scene. The driver of the Toyota Avensis, a 42-year-old private hire driver, was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries. Despite the best efforts of doctors, he sadly died on Tuesday 18 February.

Three other people who were also travelling in the Toyota were taken to hospital with serious injuries. They still remain in hospital and are recovering from their injuries.

Three men have been arrested in connection with this collision. Two men - aged 26 and 36 - were arrested the following day (Sunday 2 February) on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

On Sunday 8 February, a 29-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The 26-year-old has since been released with no further action, whilst the 36-year-old was released under investigation and the 29-year-old was bailed pending further enquiries.

Enquiries are ongoing and police are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.

Police Constable Paul Joynson of Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was a terrible and tragic incident which has sadly resulted in a man losing his life and his family and friends losing a loved one. We’re doing everything we can to support them at this devastating time and our thoughts remain with them.

“Officers are working strenuously to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information regarding the four men that fled the scene to get in touch as soon as possible.

“If you have any dashcam or CCTV footage that could assist with our enquiries then I would urge you to get in touch with our team as footage could prove vital in our search for more evidence.”

Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 3327 of 01/02/20.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

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