Police seek witnesses in Knaresborough hit and run

POLICE hunting a hit and run driver are hoping customers of a Knaresborough Post Office may have important evidence.

75-year-old Bill Hendry bought a newspaper in Stockwell Lane Post Office seconds before starting to cross Stockwell Lane at about 9.30 on the morning of Monday 26 February.

He was struck by a small car or van; the driver did not stop and drove on in the direction of Boroughbridge Road. Mr Hendry died in hospital the same day.

Sgt Pete Stringer, who is heading the investigation, said: "The Post Office's CCTV shows several customers around the time of the collision. I believe that some of them may well have heard or seen something of it, particularly those who left the post office just after Mr Hendry."

Mr Hendry wore spectacles, and at the time was wearing a green Barbour jacket and a cloth cap.

"He left the post office as soon as he had bought his paper, then took a few seconds to untie his dog who was waiting outside, then started crossing the road.

"We need any small scrap of information those customers can give us, whether it is something they saw - or even heard - of the accident or of the first few seconds afterwards. A fleeting glimpse or a snatch of sound could be the missing piece we need to lead us to the person responsible for this gentleman's death."

Sgt Stringer is particularly hopeful that a construction worker may be able to help - there are three sites nearby and several of the workers seemed to be visiting the shops around 9.30 for snacks and drinks.

In the attached CCTV still is one the construction workers police would like to talk to - the tall man in a hard hat standing at the counter.

Anyone with information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247.