Police renew appeal after suspected hit and run which killed dog walker in Pembury Road, Tonbridge
15:35, 18 September 2020
updated: 16:55, 18 September 2020
Officers investigating the death of a dog walker in Tonbridge are looking to trace a person who may have been taking selfies when the suspected car was abandoned.
Retail worker Anthony Gower, 52, of Tudeley Lane, was killed in a suspected hit and run on the A2014 Pembury Road on August 6.
Mr Gower was found about 200 metres south of the Vauxhall Inn pub just before 9.15pm with injuries consistent with being hurt in a collision, but no vehicle had stopped at the scene.
He had been walking his dog who was found unharmed nearby.
A small hatchback car believed to be linked to the collision was found unattended the next day. It was damaged and was left in a sports ground car park at the end of Darenth Avenue.
Officers are keen to speak to witnesses who they believe were in the area when the vehicle entered the car park.
PC Dawn Smith, of the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We are urging members of the public to cast their minds back to this day. It was a very warm summer’s evening and there may have been several people socialising around what is a popular recreational area.
"From our inquiries we know that there was at least one person stood close to the entrance of the car park where there is an overhead metal height restriction. As the car, which we recovered, went past them we believe they were taking photos on their phone, possibly selfies.
"If you may have been in the area or know anyone else that could have been there please don’t hesitate to contact us. Any information, no matter how small it seems, could be very important."
A local man in his 30s was arrested the following day on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He remains bailed, pending further inquiries.
An inquest into Mr Gower's death which started last month has been adjourned until January 21.
Anybody with information should call the appeal line on 01622 798538, quoting reference HW/DS/68/20 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk
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