AN elderly pedestrian mown down by a hit-and-run driver has lost his 15-day fight for life. Kenneth Bell, aged 62, died in the intensive care unit at Bolton General Hospital yesterday after his condition had deteriorated over the weekend. His brother Gilbert and other relatives were at his bedside when he died.

Police are still hunting the motorist who ploughed into Mr Bell as he crossed Blackburn Road, near the Three Pigeons pub, at 9.05pm on August 25.

Mr Bell, of Belmont Road, Bolton, was carried on the bonnet and roof of the car before being catapulted into the road.

The driver of the white saloon car - possibly a private hire taxi - drove off towards Bolton.

Mr Bell, a former bakery worker, suffered head, chest and arm injuries.

Police have visited every taxi firm in the Bolton area and the drivers of white cars, which appear to have accident damage, have been interviewed.

They believe the driver is being "shielded" by colleagues or family. Sgt Barry Fairclough said: "If that is the case we must hope that the tragic news of Mr Bell's death will prick their conscience.

"I cannot believe that the driver's family do not know what happened. I think they owe it to Mr Bell's family to inform them."

Anyone who can help is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5972.

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