Police hunt hit and run driver in Reading
Search using dogs, drone and helicopter fails to find motorist
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a road traffic collision in Reading on Monday (20/11).
A white BMW 1 Series was involved in a collision with a pedestrian as they were crossing Basingstoke Road with an electric bicycle near Lidl shortly before 9pm.
The BMW driver then got out of the car and ran away. Officers, as well as police dog units, drones and the National Police Air Service, searched for them but were unsuccessful.
The pedestrian, a man in his thirties, suffered life-changing injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains.
No one else was injured and no arrests have been made so far in relation to the investigation.
Around five minutes prior to the collision, officers twice tried to stop the BMW after it was seen running a red light on Berkeley Avenue and speeding on the A33 but the driver made off on both occasions with officers not in pursuit.
Investigating officer Inspector Scott Long, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said:
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim of this collision, who has suffered life-changing injuries and remains in hospital, and his loved ones at this time.
“The collision happened shortly after our officers twice tried to stop the BMW for driving dangerously but they made off on both occasions, with officers not following as they had lost the vehicle.
“We have made a mandatory referral to the IOPC as the victim suffered a serious injury following police contact and an internal review is ongoing.
“We are also continuing to investigate what happened and locate the BMW driver, who remains outstanding despite our extensive search.
“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision or the dangerous driving beforehand to please come forward.
“I’d also ask any motorists with dash-cams who were driving in the area at the time of the collision to please check their recordings in case they have captured something that could assist the investigation.
“To get in touch, please call 101 or fill in our online form, quoting reference number 43230523033.
“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also provide information to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
A mandatory referral for serious injury after police contact has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as a result of the incident.