Sheffield pensioner killed after being hit by police car was 'on way to granddaughter's 21st birthday party'

The 73-year-old man, named locally as Leslie Bingham, was walking in Penistone Road at the junction with Bradfield Road in Hillsborough when he was in collision with a South Yorkshire Police Vauxhall Astra patrol car.

Shocked neighbours said the former steelworker was on his way to meet relatives at Owlerton Stadium who had gathered to celebrate his granddaughter Katie's milestone 21st birthday.

A 93-year-old man, who lives on the same street as Mr Bingham in Walkley, said: "They were all there waiting for him. The family must be devastated.

"It shook me to my core when I heard about it. It is really terrible."

He added: "We used to say 'hello' to each other. He kept himself to himself but was a lovely bloke.

"I don't think he used to get out and about much, but he did go to his daughter's regularly for his dinner and they used to go food shopping together."

Another neighbour - a woman aged in her 80s who did not want to be named - added: "It is such a tragedy. One of the neighbours is friendly with a relative and they told me he was on his way to the birthday party. It is so terrible. He was a really nice man."

It is believed he lived alone after his wife, named by residents as Kath, died a few years ago.

He was hit by the police car on Saturday, January 7, at 6.20pm. Paramedics were called but he died at the scene.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is appealing for witnesses to come forward. Investigators are keen to speak to a man driving a silver hatchback and a taxi driver.

IPCC commissioner Carl Gumsley said: “We have an independent investigation under way and would be grateful if anyone who witnessed the collision on Penistone Road on that Saturday evening to contact us.

"My sympathies go out to the man’s family and friends and all those affected by this tragic event.”

Witnesses should e-mail [email protected] or call 0800 015 4877.