Police make fresh plea over fatal Shropshire hit and run

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, the officer leading the investigation into the death of 36-year-old Dale McNamee at the weekend, said: "The driver of the vehicle involved needs to contact police now, without further delay. Dale McNamee

"I am confident we will trace the driver but I strongly advise them to contact us now of their own free will."

Father-of-three Mr McNamee, from Harmer Hill, near Shrewsbury, died after being struck by a vehicle which failed to stop while walking along the A458 between Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth during the early hours of Saturday.

It's thought he may have been partly lying on the road at the time. The collision occurred at around 4.20am on the Bridgnorth-bound carriageway at Venus Bank, Cound. Mr McNamee was pronounced dead at the scene.

A major police investigation to trace the driver is underway. DCI Jamieson said: "I want to make a personal appeal to the driver to come forward so we can establish the full circumstances.

"Mr McNamee's family is distraught. We are discovering more detail about the circumstances each day and the sooner we are able to speak to the driver the better for all concerned."

Key Witnesses
He said a number of key witnesses had already come forward with helpful information, enabling police to piece together Mr McNamee's movements on the night.

It's believed he walked about a mile from the Chestnuts area of Cross Houses towards Bridgnorth. The road was unlit, he was wearing dark clothing and may have been lying in the road, either fully in the carriageway or partly on the verge.

"Shortly before the collision at 4.20am, a woman who was driving the other way towards Shrewsbury reported seeing a man in the road who appeared to be trying to get up off the ground. As she continued into Cross Houses, she flashed her headlights to warn an oncoming white box van carrying two people wearing fluorescent jackets," said DCI Jamieson.

The woman then stopped to alert police and the ambulance service and Mr McNamee was found minutes later. Police believe it may have been this vehicle which was involved in the collision. "Our inquiry is focussed on this white box van that was travelling towards the scene shortly before the body was found. We need to eliminate it from the investigation and I urge the driver to make contact."

DCI Jamieson said it was possible the van was travelling to Bridgnorth, Kidderminster or the Wolverhampton area but could have turned off along one of the many country roads before reaching Bridgnorth.

"The vehicle looked like a delivery van and had some writing on the side. We would like to hear from anyone in the area who may have been expecting a delivery that morning, particularly if it did not turn up."

He added: "This is a tragic incident and the police are determined to establish the full circumstances. To do this, we need the driver of the vehicle involved to contact Shrewsbury police station by dialling 101.

"We are also appealing for any further information from members of the public which might help the inquiry, especially motorists who may have seen Mr McNamee walking along the main road between Cross Houses and Cound from around 3.30am on Saturday."

Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.