Father fighting for life after West Bromwich hit-run accident
A father-of-two is fighting for his life in hospital after being left for dead by a hit-and-run driver in Sandwell.
Simon Oldnall, aged 43, was today in a coma and undergoing lifesaving surgery after being knocked down by a car as he crossed Black Lake in West Bromwich.
The self-employed carpet fitter suffered multiple serious injuries including a broken neck, shoulder, legs and a punctured lung in the incident on Friday at 9.40pm.
Although in a stable state, doctors at Queen Elizabeth Hospital describe his condition as critical and have told his family he could be in a coma for at least a week. Today, his partner Laura Irvine, 28, backed a police appeal for witnesses of the crash to come forward.
She said: "It is absolutely disgusting – how could they leave him so injured like that."
The couple live in Anson Road, West Bromwich, with their children Jake, five, and Luke, three.
Miss Irvine said: "I've just got to cope with it now and be there for the two boys. I have to pretend everything is all right – they know he is in hospital, but don't know how bad it is.In my heart I know he will make it, but there is that small chance he might not – it's hurting all the family."
She added: "He would do anything for anybody, he is so kind and generous, a lovely man who I am missing every minute he is not here with me."
The pair have been together for 12 years. They were talking about going on a holiday this summer. Miss Irvine said: "Everything has been put on hold." Mr Oldnall had been with his friend Adrian Leir in Birmingham when he returned on the Metro to Black Lake.
The pair were crossing the road to go to The New Talbot pub when the vehicle hit Mr Oldnall and narrowly missed Mr Leir. Mr Oldnall's brother Stephen, 36, also of Anson Road, said: "We are praying he makes a full recovery, but it isn't going to be easy. I'd ask anyone who knows anything to get in touch with police, please."
A 25-year-old man from West Bromwich has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene of a road traffic collision on Saturday.
This afternoon, police revealed they were searching for a dark VW Golf they believe may have been involved in the accident.
Sgt Gavin Green, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We are trying to trace the car which is believed to be aged around 2004 upwards.
"The car will have extensive front end damage and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a car that fits this description.
"Has someone asked you to fix or repair a damaged Golf or have you noticed a car parked up or abandoned in a strange place? If so then please call us on 101."
