Express & Star

Appeal for driver to come forward as case is closed

The family of a pensioner killed in a hit and run in Smethwick have pleaded with the driver to come forward as it emerged police had no evidence.

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Retired foundry worker Bill Fenton was run over and killed in the incident at around 9.30pm on November 23 last year.

The 73-year-old, from Astbury Avenue, Smethwick, was found lying in the street in nearby Beakes Road, and was pronounced dead at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

An inquest into his death yesterday at Smethwick Council House heard that as the police have been unable to identify the vehicle involved, and the case is now closed pending any new evidence or information.

Pc Jan Such, from the collision investigation unit, said pieces of a headlamp found at the scene and flecks of paint found on Mr Fenton's clothes suggested the car would have been a lido blue-coloured Fiat Punto, made between 2003 and 2006.

She said: "We made inquiries with Fiat and it transpires since that colour was used, some 6,200 vehicles have been manufactured in that colour."

A total of 616 vehicles matching the suspected description are registered in the area, and all owners have been visited by officers.

When asked by Black Country senior coroner Zafar Saddique if it was like looking for 'a needle in a haystack', she said: "Indeed." She added: "CCTV was inconclusive – all it showed was a vehicle leaving the scene somewhat rapidly."

Asked if the case was now closed, Pc Such said: "Pending any further developments, yes, unless we get any fresh evidence." Mr Saddique recorded that Mr Fenton died following a road traffic collision.

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