Brave neighbours praised by family

Aug 9 2006 Wirral News

THE family of a great-grandfather left fighting for his life after being hit by a stolen car have praised the "hero" residents who pursued the teenage joyriders.

Humphrey King, 86, was crushed when agreen Rover ploughed into him as he leaned on his walking frame to get into his daughter's car in Devonshire Road, Oxton.

Two youths in the car crashed the vehicle into four other cars before trying to flee but were arrested after neighbours gave chase.

The retired barber was left with a shattered pelvis as well as broken ribs, toes, and leg and is still seriously ill in the high dependency unit at Arrowe Park Hospital.

Mr King, a grandfather of nine, was preparing for his grand-daughter Marie'swedding the following day when the accident happened on July 28.

His youngest daughter Amanda Carter, 47, of Slatey Road, Oxton, said: "We're all so upset by whathas happened. Dad is in ahell of a state and we don't know if he'll survive.

"We'd like to thank everyone who came out of their houses to help us. My dad is very well-known - everyone loves him and they were all heroes. It lifted our spirits to see how much everyone cared."

One of the teenagers was rugby-tackled to the ground by neighbour Jimmy Stevens. A second teenager was arrested later.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "A 15-year-old from Birkenhead was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and has been bailed until September pending further inquiries.

"A 17-year-old from Prenton was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft of a motor vehicle and has also been bailed."