Hit-run arrest as victim is battling

A man has been arrested in connection with the hit-and-run which left a Black Country pensioner fighting for his life.

Officers arrested the man, thought to be aged between 25 and 30, yesterday afternoon, after 91-year-old Clarence Elwin was knocked down in Tipton on June 21.

The news of an arrest comes as Mr Elwin’s family revealed he is showing signs of regaining consciousness. 

Senior investigating officer, Sgt Bob Hartill, of West Bromwich Traffic Police, said: “Mr Elwin is still stable in hospital.

“Police have arrested a man in connection with this incident who will be bailed pending further investigation.

Mr Elwin, known as Joe, was walking his dog in Gospel Oak Road, Tipton, when he was hit by a Toyota Celica and left for dead just yards from his home. The dog was killed.

The car was recovered the next day. He is still on a ventilator in Sandwell Hospital but has now opened his eyes, although remains heavily sedated and drifting in and out of consciousness. 

Mr Elwin’s daughter, Pauline Fox of Field Road, said it was a “relief” to find out an arrest had been made. 

“It is a relief that someone is perhaps going to pay for what they have done. They should have stopped.”