APPEAL AFTER HIT AND RUN CRASH

Anthony Williams suffered life threatening injuries and remains in a critical condition at London's Kings College Hospital.

Mr Williams, who had been living at various addresses in the Polegate area and was often seen around the town, was hit by a vehicle which failed to stop on the Wannock Road at about 4.30am

Local residents were awoken by the crash, and the road was closed for several hours while specialist officers examined the scene.

Mr Williams was taken to the Eastbourne District General Hospital with serious head and facial injuries and multiple fractures to his arms and legs. He was later transferred to London, where his condition remains 'critical'.

His sister-in-law Mrs Lyn Williams, who lives in the West Midlands, is supporting the police appeal to trace the driver. She said in a statement: "Please can the person responsible for what has happened to Anthony come forward to police so that, in some way, our pain and Anthony's can be eased."

Inspector Steve Grace, of East Sussex Road Policing Department, said: "The victim has been local to the Polegate area for several months - sometimes sleeping rough - and will be familiar to many local people. I would like to speak to anyone who saw him on Friday night or the early hours of Saturday (25-26 August).

"I am aware that a number of vehicles drove past immediately after the incident and that one taxi driver stopped to offer assistance. I would like to speak to these people as they may have information which seems irrelevant to them but which could form an important part of our investigation.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who knows of a vehicle which has sustained damage since Friday night.

"But my main appeal is directly to the driver of the vehicle involved to come forward. The incident is still being investigated, but I realise that the driver may not have been able to avoid the collision, or may only now have found out that it is more serious than they thought on the night. I urge them to act now and contact me so that this tragic incident can be fully investigated."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 6070999 and quoting Operation Tonga.