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Van circles critically injured pensioner in Sedgley hit-and-run

A pensioner who was critically injured after he was hit by a van in Sedgley, was left lying in the road while the driver circled him before speeding off. 

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The 78-year-old had been crossing Sedgley's Beacon Lane at around 3.30pm yesterday afternoon when he was hit by a white van which then drove off down Queens Road.

The injured pensioner had been shopping in the Spar store near to Bilston Street just before he was hit. He was tended to by passersby before the emergency services arrived at the scene minutes later.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries where he remains. His next of kin have been informed.

PC Leon Whitmore, from West Midlands Police's Traffic Unit, said: "Our initial inquiries lead us to believe that the van involved was a white Renault Kangoo. Interestingly, it was missing two wheel trims; one from the rear passenger side and the other from the front on the drivers side. There was also a large custom fitted lock on the back door.

"There was a driver and a passenger in the van. Both were white men, believed to be in their 20s, and wearing orange high visibility vests. Someone will know this vehicle and these men."

Chris Kowalik, a West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman, said: "The man had a head injury and was experiencing head pain. He was immobilised and was taken to the trauma unit at Russells Hall Hospital."

Beacon Lane was closed for approximately three hours while investigators examined the scene for clues. Witnesses have been spoken to and CCTV has been secured.

"The victim is well known in the area and local people have been left very angry, stunned and sickened by the incident.

"If the driver didn't have the courage to stop at the scene, he or his passenger need to find some now and call police," added PC Whitmore.

"If they don't come to us, I promise them that we will come to them very soon.

"This is their chance to come forward and explain what happened."

Anyone with information should call the police on 101. Details can also be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestopprs on 0800 555 111.

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