Key Takeaways
- A dog walker in his 80s is in critical condition after being struck by a van in Leybourne Way, Larkfield
- The incident occurred on December 21 at approximately 8:10am at the junction with Gighill Road
- The driver of the van stopped at the scene and police and ambulance crews attended
- The victim’s dog was also injured but is recovering at home
- Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to aid in their investigation
Introduction to the Incident
A serious collision occurred on December 21 in Leybourne Way, Larkfield, involving a white VW panel van and a pedestrian, who was a dog walker. The incident happened at approximately 8:10am at the junction with Gighill Road, and emergency services were quickly called to the scene. The driver of the van stopped, and police and ambulance crews attended to the victim, who was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The victim, a man in his 80s, remains in a critical condition, and his dog, which was also injured, is now recovering at home.
The Accident Scene and Road Closure
The road was closed from the junction with the A228 Castle Way to the junction with New Hythe Lane and Bellingham Way, causing disruptions to traffic in the area. The closure was necessary to allow police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. KCC Highways reported the road closure, and motorists were advised to seek alternative routes. The scene was attended by police and ambulance crews, who worked to stabilize the victim and transport him to hospital. The driver of the van stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Investigation and Appeal for Witnesses
The Serious Collision Investigation Unit is leading the inquiry into the incident, and officers are working to gather evidence and speak to witnesses. The police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the collision or has dashcam footage to come forward. Dashcam or phone footage can be uploaded via an online portal, and anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01622 798538, quoting reference XX/KA/091/25, or by emailing [email protected]. The police are urging anyone who may have information, no matter how small, to come forward to aid in their investigation.
The Importance of Witness Statements and Dashcam Footage
Witness statements and dashcam footage are crucial in helping the police to piece together the events surrounding the collision. The footage can provide valuable evidence, such as the speed of the van, the actions of the pedestrian, and any other factors that may have contributed to the incident. The police are also appealing for anyone who may have seen the van or the pedestrian in the moments leading up to the collision to come forward. By gathering as much information as possible, the police can build a comprehensive picture of what happened and work to determine the cause of the incident.
Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation
The incident remains under investigation, and the police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision. The victim remains in a critical condition, and his family and loved ones are being supported by police and medical staff. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in their investigation, and the community is being asked to remain vigilant and report any information that may be relevant to the inquiry. As the investigation continues, the police will work to provide updates and information to the public, and the community can expect to see an increased police presence in the area as officers work to gather evidence and speak to witnesses.