'Time does not heal': Hexham family launch appeal 25 years on from father's death

Charles Trueman was killed in a hit-and-run 25 years ago Credit: Northumbria Police

The family of an elderly man killed in a hit-and-run in 1991 has made a plea to anyone with information about the incident - 25 years after his death.

Charles Trueman, 83, died after being hit by a car in his home town of Hexham as he walked back to his home following a visit to his daughter’s grave.

The collision left the retired gardener with head injuries but the driver of the mystery vehicle fled the scene and Charles was later pronounced dead in hospital.

His widow Rosina was left heartbroken and died ten years later when she was buried alongside World War Two veteran Charles in Hexham Cemetery.

Charles with his daughter Elaine Credit: Northumbria Police

Their daughter Elaine O'Neil and her five siblings have never been able to get over the tragedy that claimed their father's life and are still seeking answers 25 years on.

The incident happened just before 5pm on August 31 on Station Road in Hexham close to the junction with Dean Street and Loosing Hill, a short walk from his home at Peth Head.

A blue Metro car was believed to be seen leaving the scene immediately after the incident but in 25 years no eye witnesses have come forward to shed light on exactly what happened.

There were also sightings of a large dark saloon style car that officers believe would have had to swerve to avoid the collision. That vehicle also left the scene before the police arrived.

Northumbria Police's Operation Dragoon have now said they would welcome any new evidence that could help identify the driver of the vehicle involved.

PC Derek Longstaff, of the dedicated Motor Patrols team, has urged someone to make it their New Year's resolution to end the family's despair once and for all.

Mother-of-two Elaine, 56, who now lives in Ryton, said she will never be able to get over the collision that claimed her father's life and left her mother with a broken heart and the family devastated.

Anyone with any information about the incident should contact police on 101 ext 62585 and request to speak to the Operation Dragoon team.