[P]olice are investigating a fail to stop collision that left a 79-year-old man with life changing injuries.
Around 6.15pm on Sunday 1 October 2017, police on patrol in the Caythorpe Street area of Moss Side, Manchester, attempted to stop a black VW Golf, registered number ML62 DME. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit of the vehicle started.
Officers lost sight of the vehicle in the vicinity of Tyldesley Street and Tommy Johnson Close, but were flagged down by a member of the public who informed them that the vehicle had struck a man. Officers stopped to assist the man while the VW Golf did not remain at the scene.
Fuad Ghalib was walking near his home when he was injured and his daughter has released this below statement on behalf of her family:
“To get to the age of 79, being loved by everyone, says a lot about how gentle and kind my dad is. His life is full with stories and adventures. He is more than just a loving husband, a caring father, the sweetest grandfather, the wisest brother, a supportive neighbour, he is the heart and soul of our family.
“He is everyone’s ‘Papa Smurf’, helping everyone who was in need and showering them with love, Dad helped care for my brother, who has special needs. He took him out and fed him and took him for his exercise and walks.
“Dad enjoyed going out for walks and the finer things in life. On the day of the awful accident, he went out to get food for a party the family had thrown to celebrate a visit from his granddaughter. Our celebrations were replaced with a brutal and selfish hit. The devastation of his injuries extends further than the physical impact, it has hurt the family at its core, especially my brother who can’t comprehend what has happened and he has been left terrified from seeing his dad injured.
“Dad’s family and friends pray for his return home, we all miss the spark he had!
“We just want you back like you were!”
Senior Investigating Officer, Sergeant Lee Westhead said: “A team of officers are working tirelessly to identify the driver at the time of the collision, but we need the public’s help.
“I would like to speak to anyone who knows the identity of the driver at the time of the collision or who saw the VW Golf at any time on Sunday 1 October. A man is seriously injured in hospital – this is not the time for misplaced loyalty. I am also keen to speak to the person who flagged down the Police car to report that Mr Ghalib had been injured. This person left the area before officers had the chance to obtain their details. Witnesses and those with information should contact GMP Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, alternatively, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
