A murder investigation has been launched after a 47-year-old man was tragically killed in a suspected deliberate hit-and-run in the Woolton area of Liverpool late Friday night.
Emergency services were called to Stonyhurst Road at approximately 11:45pm on Friday, following reports that a man had been struck by a car outside a house party. Despite the best efforts of bystanders and paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
“Please stay with us”
Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes in the moments after the collision. Local resident Yvonne Sowerby, 65, told the BBC she awoke to a “commotion” and saw people desperately trying to save the man’s life.
“They were shouting at him, ‘Stay with me, stay with me. Don’t you dare close your eyes. Please, please stay with me,’” she recalled.
“It didn’t seem real… you can’t get your head around it, especially not here.”
Another neighbour reported hearing a woman scream, “That’s my brother!” as she rushed to the scene.
Party Turns to Tragedy
Residents said a party had been taking place earlier in the evening at a house nearby, with guests seen carrying presents and gift bags into the property.
Shortly before midnight, the festive atmosphere turned to chaos. A car was reportedly seen diagonally across the road with its driver’s door open. A blue police tent now covers the scene, with both a black car and a white van visible beneath it.
Police Appeal for Information
Detective Inspector Katie Coote of Merseyside Police confirmed that while the investigation remains in its early stages, initial findings suggest the car was “deliberately driven at the man.”
“We are reviewing CCTV and conducting house-to-house enquiries to understand the full circumstances,” DI Coote said.
“I urge anyone who witnessed the incident or who has home CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.”
The incident has shaken the quiet Woolton community. Merseyside Police confirmed that local residents rushed to the man’s aid before emergency crews arrived, highlighting the bravery and compassion of those on the scene.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Merseyside Police on 101, quoting reference 24000348502, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
