POLICE in Skipton are appealing for information to trace the driver of a car which hit an 89-year-old man and drove off without stopping.

The elderly pedestrian, who was using a walking stick, left Skipton Library and began to cross the High Street towards the town hall car park.

As he crossed the road, he was struck by a grey saloon car which failed to stop and drove off in the direction of Skipton Castle.

Police are asking the driver of the car to contact them and have asked for anyone else who can either identify the driver or who witnessed the incident to come forward.

The man, who has not been named, suffered serious injuries. He was treated by paramedics for more than 30 minutes on the road and was then taken to Leeds General Infirmary by ambulance. The High Street was closed to traffic for more than an hour after the incident.

Sergeant Pete Stringer, of Skipton Roads Policing Group, said: “Enquiries are progressing to trace the driver of the car and we urge him to make himself known to the police as a matter of urgency.”

The driver and anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and pass information to the Force Control Room, or email peter.stringer@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Information can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference number 272, November 28.