OFFICERS investigating the hit-and-run crash that killed a Poole grandfather last week have released details of three cars they’re hoping to trace.

Dorset Police want to speak to the drivers of a silver family-sized car, a small ‘city car’ and another family-sized car which were spotted in the area around the same time as the fatal collision.

Pedestrian Christopher Colegate, 69, was pronounced dead at Poole Hospital shortly after he was knocked down at the junction of Poole’s Darby’s Lane and Heath Avenue around 7.25pm on Friday, December 13.

Police also want to speak to a pedestrian who passed Mr Colegate on Darby’s Lane moments before the incident.

Mr Colegate’s devastated family have already issued a heartfelt statement urging the driver to “do the right thing” and come forward.

Officers are also anxious to speak to any mechanic or garage asked to repair damage to the front of a vehicle.

Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, confirmed: “We are looking for a number of witnesses who were in Darby’s lane at around 7.25pm on Friday evening.

“In particular we would like to speak with the driver of a silver family-sized car travelling in Darby’s Lane toward Johnston Road, a small ‘city car’ that travelled along Heath Avenue and turned right into Darby’s Lane and a family-sized car that turned right from Darby’s Lane into Heath Avenue.

“We are also keen to trace a pedestrian walking along Darby’s Lane towards Johnston Road who passed Mr Colegate shortly before the collision. This pedestrian was wearing a hooded top with the hood up.”

Inspector Butler believes the vehicle involved in the collision would have sustained damage to the front.

“If anyone sees a car with damage to the front or is asked to repair a car that has damage to the front, then I would ask them to call us on the non-emergency number 101.”

In a statement released earlier this week, Mr Colegate’s family said they had been left devastated by the tragic events.

“Christopher always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed building things with them,” continued the family statement.

“It will never be the same again and it is already difficult for them to understand.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 13:478.