Hit-and-run OAP fights for his life

This is the shocking image of a 91-year-old pensioner left fighting for his life after being knocked down by a hit-and-run driver as he walked his dog through Tipton.

The black Toyota Celica which knocked down Clarence Elwin in Gospel Oak Road, Tipton, has since been found abandoned and the Express & Star was today distributing posters around the area in a bid to find the culprit. The great-grandfather is in a serious but stable condition in Sandwell Hospital with his family keeping a constant vigil at his bedside. He is still unconscious.

Doctors are currently trying to stabilise his condition and he underwent an undisclosed medical procedure this morning.

Pauline Fox, Clarence’s daughter, of Field Road, Tipton, said: “My dad is still seriously ill and we are all still at his bedside. I have to live with this – why shouldn’t the person who did this?

“How can they live with their conscience?”

Mrs Fox confirmed that the family has been informed the car had been found on Sunday – a day after the accident – but said they are still waiting on more information. Police have not revealed where the car was found. It is not believed to have been stolen.

Both Mrs Fox and the police are appealing for help in finding the driver.

She said: “The police haven’t said much to us yet, but the family liaison offer has been great.

“We just want whoever has done this to be caught.”

Mr Elwin was walking his beloved Yorkshire Terrier Zach when he was hit by the car at 4.20pm on Saturday.

The 10-year-old dog was killed instantly, just yards from the pensioner’s home.

The pensioner, who has two children, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren worked on the railways.

He was based in Wolverhampton for many years before moving to Oxford where he was the station inspector.

Mrs Fox has thanked everyone locally who has offered support and that knew her father, known locally as Joe.

She said: “So many people have said that they are thinking of him and that means a lot to us.”

Pauline’s brother Trevor Elwin, aged 58, has been travelling up regularly from his home in Oxford to see his father.