The family of a man killed in a high-speed hit and run in Chorlton have begged the Porsche driver to come forward – and said they cannot get closure until they do.
Maintenance worker Craig Rodger’s family have been left distraught by his death after he was hit by a Porsche Panamera travelling at ‘motorway speeds’ last Monday.
Only moments before the collision Craig, 25, had kindly allowed another pedestrian to cross the road before him in an act of chivalry, before entering the road himself and been struck by the vehicle.
The tribute by the family read: “Craig was a normal 25-year-old. He was a loveable pain but he was ours. We are devastated by what has happened to our Craig.
“If anyone knows who was driving the car that hit Craig just tell someone. Whoever it was still has their family after all this is over.
“It can never be over for us though, we cannot begin to think of closure until someone does the decent thing and tells us who killed Craig and left him dying in the middle of the road in Chorlton-cum-Hardy that night.
“We can’t begin to explain how this feels for us all. We thank everyone for their support and ask that we be left in peace to try and grieve.”
Police have released CCTV footage which shows the top end sports car, with the registration number MX10 0BK, speeding through residential areas before hitting Craig and leaving him for dead.
The car was found an hour later on Brookburn Road, Chorlton, after it had been abandoned and set on fire.
Craig was launched into the air from the collision, which occurred on Wilbraham Road near to the Spread Eagle pub in Chorlton at around 10.20pm.
Despite been attended to by medical personnel, Craig suffered multiple injuries and died hours later in hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin has appealed for anybody with information about the driver of the car to come forward and also for the driver to hand himself in.
“I am appealing to the public to tell me who was driving the motor vehicle at the time of the collision,” he said.
“I doubt very much that the driver of the car went out that night with the intention of seriously hurting or killing somebody but unfortunately that is what has happened and I urge that person forward to hand themselves in.
“Craig had stopped to let a pedestrian cross the road but after that crossed himself and was hit.
“At this stage I’m not sure how many people were in the car at the time of the collision but I would urge any passengers that might have been in the vehicle at the time to come forward.
“They were not driving, they have done nothing wrong.
“If you were in that car you have gone through a horrific incident.
“What you witnessed is awful for you, but not as awful as it is for Craig’s family.
“I urge you to please pick up the phone and call the police and anybody who has seen the vehicle before or after the collision to do the same.”
Police have arrested two men, aged 32 and 25, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and one man aged 25 on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
They have been police bailed till April 28 pending further enquiries.
Anyone who knows the identity of the driver, witnessed the collision or has any information, should contact the police immediately on 0161 856 4741 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Image of road courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
