Police plea over pedestrian killed by Range Rover in hit-and-run

Officers arrested a boy aged 15 near the scene of the accident, which happened at 12.20pm on Saturday in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, and involved a silver Range Rover that collided with the 27-year-old victim and the wall of a building on North Road.

Police said the occupants of the Range Rover were seen running from the vehicle. One was arrested nearby and police inquiries are continuing to locate the others.

The arrested youth was still being questioned yesterday.

The pedestrian, who had not been identified last night, was on his way to buy some lunch when he was struck by the car.

Police say the Range Rover was not reported stolen and part of their investigation is to establish how those who were in the vehicle when it crashed had gained access.

Det Supt Steve Smith, who is leading the investigation, said he was keen to trace those in the Range Rover.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw a silver Range Rover with a personalised number plate driving through the town on Saturday morning in the hours and minutes leading up to the crash. And to anyone who saw the occupants run from the vehicle after it crashed,” he said.

“Many people have come forward with information already, for which we thank them.

“However, despite the snow, many people were out and about in Stokesley on Saturday morning and may have seen the Range Rover driving around town. I urge these people to come forward and talk to the police – no matter how insignificant you may think your information is, please contact us and tell us what you saw.

“This is a tragic incident which has left the victim’s family utterly devastated and the local community in shock.

“An innocent member of the public was walking along the street, having decided to go to the shops to buy some lunch, and sadly, never returned home to his family.

He added: “There will also be people who know who was in the Range Rover at the time of the tragedy and may be shielding them. I urge them to search their conscience and do what they know is the right thing to do, and call the police.”

Yesterday the Range Rover was undergoing detailed forensic examination.

Anyone with information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101.