RESIDENTS who live yards away from where a man was hit by a car said they were stunned to find out he had died.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the crash in Berechurch Road, Colchester, on Friday December 13.

Officers were called at 7.35pm with reports a red Audi A1 had hit a pedestrian as he crossed the road.

The 68-year-old, named locally as David Phillips, from Colchester, was taken to hospital with a serious injury to his ankle. He sadly died on February 1.

Bill Brathwaite and wife Sue live close to where the crash happened in Meyrick Crescent and say the road is dangerous.

“It is tragic what happened - I was shocked,” said Mr Brathwaite.

“People park on the double yellow lines and it is so dangerous.

“He knew the area well and was a friendly man.

“You feel for him and his family - it is no age.”

Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are continuing their inquiries into the collision and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash cam footage of it, to get in contact.

“We know that the collision happened more than two months ago, but we would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened that evening,” said investigating officer Det Con Jac Dean.

“The pedestrian was crossing the road near to Meyrick Crescent, when he was in collision with the red Audi.

“I would like to thank the individuals from the sports club, who were using the field nearby at the time of the collision, who have come forward with information. CCTV footage shows a number of vehicles driving past the collision immediately after, and having to manoeuvre the red Audi in order to get past. I’m keen to find these people, in case they witnessed or have dash cam footage of the incident.”

Anyone with information should call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting incident 1058 of December 13 or by emailing collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org

The Audi driver, a 19-year-old woman from Colchester, was voluntarily interviewed.