Pensioner dies after hit and run crash in New Road, Chatham
10:02, 11 August 2020
updated: 19:12, 11 August 2020
A man in his 70s has died following a hit and run in Chatham.
Police say the collision took place in New Road near its junction with Otway Terrace, at around 10.50pm last night.
Officers from the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit work at the scene. Footage: UKNiP
They say the car did not stop at the scene and continued towards Rochester.
The pedestrian, who lived locally, was pronounced dead at the scene and his next of kin have been informed.
New Road re-opened around 3.45pm after accident investigation work was carried out.
Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is investigating the circumstances and officers are appealing for any witnesses to get in contact.
Officers would also like to obtain CCTV or dash cam footage that shows the vehicle or pedestrian in the moments leading up to the collision.
Jessica Tolcher had been travelling from Lordswood to Chatham, when she saw the aftermath of the crash.
"I saw the emergency services when taking my daughter to work," she said. "They was really doing everything they could. I hope with all the CCTV camera's near the high street they find the person who is responsible."
Police later confirmed they seized a car in Cordelia Crescent, Borstal, near Rochester, in connection with the investigation, having been seen entering a property in nearby Cambria Avenue.
Speaking this afternoon, shopkeeper Thamilavasan Moorthy, who works at Flomongo newsagents near the scene, said: “I was getting ready to shut up shop at 11pm.
"I suddenly heard loads of emergency vehicles down in New Road and within about five minutes officers came up Otway Terrace and taped that off.
“I didn’t have any clue what had happened until a customer came in and said someone had been hit by a car.
"It’s absolutely horrible to hear about and then find out they have died.
“Police have stayed on the road and the barriers since it happened.”
Anyone with information should call 01622 798538 quoting DS/RF/069/20. Alternatively, email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk
Watch KMTV's report on the fatal incident
The incident is the third fatal collision in Medway in two weeks, following a crash involving a motorbike at Bowaters Roundabout, Gillingham, on Tuesday, July 28; and a collision in Maidstone Road, Rochester, on Saturday August 1.
