Personal injury news

Grandfather killed in hit-and-run car accident

The family of a grandfather of 12 who was killed in a car accident in Manchester have told of their devastation at the loss of “the nicest man in the world”.

69-year-old Derek Hargreaves was crossing the road in the evening of Saturday 25th March when he was hit by a dark car. Believed to be travelling at high speed, the vehicle then left the scene and was later discovered burnt-out several miles away.

The retired British Aerospace worker was left in the road with serious personal injuries and eyewitnesses called the emergency services. Paramedics arrived and rushed him to hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Paying homage to her brother, Mr Hargreaves’ sister, Audrey, said, “He was more than a brother to me- were we pals and would always stick up for each other as kids. He was really kind and always telling jokes.

“He didn’t deserve this. He was such a nice person who had never done anything wrong in his life. He had three heart bypasses, was widowed from cancer and raised two children on his own. He fought and worked hard all his life. It’s just not fair.”

His niece added to the tributes, saying, “He was an ordinary man, a fisherman and bird watcher, a loving father grandfather and great-grandfather.

“We miss him. This week it is as if the sunshine has gone out of our lives.”

Police are calling for anybody who witnessed the car accident on Crossacres Road in Wythenshawe to get in touch immediately.