Two arrested after hit and run van crash in Norris Green leaves man in critical condition

A man is fighting for his life after he was the victim of a hit and run while out jogging - with police keen to identify him "as a matter of urgency".

The man, in his 50s, was discovered with serious injuries after emergency services were called to reports he had been hit by a transit van at around 6.30pm on Sunday, 25 February.

He was taken to hospital, where his condition is described as critical.

The driver of the silver transit van, believed to be involved in the crash, failed to stop at the scene, on Utting Avenue East in Norris Green, Liverpool.

Merseyside Police officers later spotted the van, believed to have been involved in the crash, parked up at the junction of Hollingbourne Place and Hollingbourne Road, nearby.

A 24-year-old man from Norris Green and a 44-year-old woman from Westvale in Kirkby are being questioned on suspicion of causing injury by dangerous driving.

Police are now appealing to help identify the victim, who was wearing a distinctive yellow cap.

He is a white male, of slim build, with bald head and clean shaven.

At the time of the collision, he was wearing a black Karrimor long-sleeved jacket, a bright yellow Karrimor cap, black gloves and black New Balance trainers with green stripes on the side.

Detective Sergeant Jason Higham, from Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “We are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the pedestrian, but would urge anyone who think they may know him to please contact us.

"He is in a critical condition, so it is crucial that we identify him and let his family know as soon as possible.

“We suspect the man was out exercising at the time of the collision and we hope his neighbours, family or friends will recognise him due to the sports clothing he was wearing.”

He added: “Although we have made two arrests, we are appealing for those who saw the collision or saw a silver van being driving around the area or parked on Hollingbourne Place or Hollingbourne Road with damage to the front of it to please get in touch.

“This collision happened at busy location and as such I believe it would have been witnessed by members of the public or they saw the van driving from the scene or being parked up.

"In addition, I would ask local businesses and homeowners with CCTV to check their systems to see if the damaged van has been captured on it.

“Likewise, the area was busy with traffic and as such I would also ask anyone who was in the area at the time who has dashcam fitted to their vehicles to urgently review it. Any help we receive, no matter how insignificant it may seem can assist our investigation.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision or captured anything on CCTV or dashcam is asked to contact Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk.

Alternatively, DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 24000203760.