THE grieving family of a frail pensioner killed in a hit and run crash in Poole is urging the driver to “do the right thing” and come forward.

Christopher Colegate died after being found seriously injured in the road at the junction of Darby's Lane and Heath Avenue at 7.25pm on Friday December 13.

The 69-year-old, who used two walking sticks, suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a car which failed to stop.

In a statement released today, Mr Colegate's family said: “As a family we are devastated. Christopher always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed building things with them. It will never be the same again and it is already difficult for them to understand.

“We would urge the driver involved in the collision to do the right thing and contact the police.”

Sergeant Stuart Pitman, from Dorset Police's Traffic Unit, said: “We have all been affected by this collision, especially considering the time of year it is.

“Despite being restricted Mr Colegate maintained his independence, regularly attending a nearby club where he enjoyed socialising.

“I am personally appealing to the driver of the vehicle who struck Mr Colegate to come forward to bring closure, especially for the family at this important time of year.

“The area in question is a junction and we know there were a number of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists in the area when the collision occurred.

“I am urging anyone who may have seen vehicles driving erratically in the area at that time to also come forward.”

He said members of the public should come forward, even if they only have a small piece of information “In our experience members of the public often think the information they have is not important but it really can be - no matter how small the detail. Officers from the traffic department are committed to finding the person involved in this incident.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 13:478 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.