Plea for help over hit-and-run accident that killed pensioner

Mr Sarjeant, a veteran of the second World War who served with the RAF in North Africa and countries around the Mediterranean, had just visited his wife in a nearby care home on February 1, 2008, when he was hit by a silver VW Passat while crossing Elm Lane in Shiregreen.

The driver of the car, registration V389 NAD, did not stop and the car was later found abandoned in Grange Mill Lane.

South Yorkshire Police officers are keen to speak to a Chinese man in his 30s known as Ming Guo Chen, and say the hunt for Mr Chen – who has a "long history of employment in the Chinese food industry" – has already taken them the "length of the country".

An appeal to trace Mr Chen has also been made on the BBC's Crimewatch .

Senior investigating officer Sergeant Steve Askham said: "We hope that with the assistance of our colleagues in other forces a fresh appeal using not only traditional methods but also the power of social media will help us reach a much bigger audience and someone will come forward with vital information.

"I urge anybody reading this to share it with their online networks and help us find Mr Chen.

"Our thoughts continue to be with Mr Sarjeant's family who have conducted themselves with great dignity during this very sad and difficult time."

Mr Sarjeant's daughter, Dianne Payne, described her father as a "wonderful man" and said he was "one of life's truly good people, taken from us in such a cruel and tragic way."

She said: "The pain and suffering is overwhelming and the burden of grief is almost unbearable.

"Last week would have been Dad's 88th birthday – the best thing for the family would be to see the person responsible for his death brought to justice."

Sgt Askham added: "I would ask anyone with information to contact South Yorkshire Police on 0114 2202020 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Any information, no matter how big or small, could prove crucial."