Man who died in Sheffield disorder was Good Samaritan helping stranger

South Yorkshire Police have released an update.

Chris Marriott
Author: Rebecca LomasPublished 28th Dec 2023
Last updated 29th Dec 2023

A man who died after being hit by a car in Sheffield on Wednesday has been described as a "Good Samaritan, who had stepped in to help a stranger in their time of need".

South Yorkshire Police have released the identity of Christian Marriott, who was out for a walk in Burngreave with his wife and two young sons.

It's believed he saw a woman who was injured in the street on College Close, he went over to help before a car collided with him.

A murder investigation is underway and two men, aged 23 and 55, remain in police custody. Both have been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

In an update, South Yorkshire Police said:

"A man who died after a car collided with a group of people in Sheffield yesterday (Wednesday 27 December) has been named as father-of-two Christian Marriott.

"Christian, known as Chris, was out for a post-Christmas family walk with his wife and two young sons, aged eight and six, when it is reported he saw a woman lying unconscious in the street on College Close in Burngreave just after 2pm.

The scene at Burngreave after Wednesday's incident

"It is believed the woman had been involved in an altercation between a group of people.

"Chris is then said to have left his family and stopped to provide first aid to the woman, before the car then collided with Chris, the woman and a number of others.

"Several other people suffered injuries during the incident including an off-duty midwife, who had also stopped to help."

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Andrew Knowles, said:

"This is an utterly heartbreaking case in which a Good Samaritan, who had stepped in to help a stranger in their time of need, has lost his life. Chris leaves behind a loving family including his devastated wife and two young sons. We are absolutely determined to secure justice for Chris and his loved ones following this horrific tragedy.

"Increased patrols will continue in the area in the coming days and local people will continue to see officers carrying out enquiries, including going house-to-house to gather witness statements.

"There are people in that community who hold information which is vital to our investigation and have not yet given statements. I want to be able to get to the bottom of what happened for Chris and his family. I need those people with information to do the right thing. If you don't want to talk to us directly, you can use Crimestoppers and remain 100 per cent anonymous."

A murder investigation is underway and two men, aged 23 and 55, remain in police custody. Both have been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

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