Ipswich: Horror for first witness on scene of Stoke Park Drive incident

A GRANDMOTHER has told of her horror at being one of the first at the scene of a collision in which a man was found dead in his car.

Diane Hewitt said she is still in shock about seeing the horrific aftermath of the incident in Stoke Park Drive on Friday night, in which a 51-year-old man died.

Police yesterday named the man as Guy William Halden, of Sawston Close, Ipswich. His body was found after the red Toyota Corolla he was driving was in collision with another vehicle near Asda. It is understood he took his own life.

Mrs Hewitt, who lives in nearby Crowland Close, was on her way to get cash out when she heard a loud bang. She asked a woman nearby what had happened and was called over to check on the driver of the red car.

Mrs Hewitt said: “I looked in the car and that’s when I saw him. I shouted for someone to get the police and the security. I was hysterical. I thought my legs were going to collapse.

“I haven’t been able to sleep, I was sick and I‘ve been in touch with Victim Support. It’s all I’ve been thinking about.”

The 54-year-old was taken into nearby McColls shop where she was comforted and given a cup of tea.

She added: “I have to praise the emergency services. They were at the scene in seconds and all of them – the police, paramedics and fire service – were so professional and calm.

“One of the police officers told me they had seen a lot of road accidents but had never seen anything like this before. The compassion shown to me and the way they dealt with this tragedy was beyond duty.

“Also I would like to thank the staff in McColls who comforted me.”

Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

An inquest will be opened and adjourned tomorrow morning and will be reopened at a later date.

If anyone is in need of help, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 08457 909090.

As a responsible media organisation, we comply with guidelines issued by the Samaritans which recommend that we do not give explicit details in cases such as this.