Reward offered for Poole hit-and-run driver

Mr Colegate was left in the road at the junction of Darby's Lane and Heath Avenue

A £1,000 reward has been offered for information about a hit-and-run crash in Poole, in which an elderly man died.

Christopher Colegate, 69, was left fatally injured in Darby's Lane, at the junction of Heath Avenue, after the collision on Friday evening.

He was taken to Poole Hospital where he later died.

The Crimestoppers charity is offering the reward in return for information. Police are trying to trace several potential witnesses.

Officers say the drivers of several cars and a man in a hooded top who passed Mr Colegate shortly before the crash may have information.

'Great distress'

Insp Matt Butler, of Dorset Police, said: "I urge the driver involved in this collision to please do the right thing and get in touch.

"This has caused Mr Colegate's family great distress.

"We know the driver would have been aware of the collision and I urge him or her to get in contact with us immediately. This will not go away. We will find you."

Insp Butler urged anyone who sees a car with damage to the front or is asked to repair a car with damage to get in touch with police.

Mr Colegate, who lived in Poole, was described as frail and used two walking sticks.

An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned at Bournemouth coroner's court on Tuesday.