Police make appeal to hit-and-run driver

Richard Smith

POLICE last night renewed their appeal for help in finding a hit-and-run driver who left a loyal school assistant dying in the road.

They are keen to trace a young man who told people at the scene of the accident that he would call for an ambulance after the collision - but left and never returned.

The woman who died on Easter Sunday in Ipswich was named yesterday as 61-year-old Susan Garnham, a grandmother who had left her home to walk to a shop for her newspaper.

Mrs Garnham, of Hexham Close, had been walking on the pavement in Stoke Park Drive, close to the junction with Prince of Wales Drive, when the accident happened at about 8.45am. She was taken to Ipswich Hospital but was dead on arrival.

In a statement released to the media, her family said: “Susan Garnham leaves a husband, daughter and a son and three grandsons.

“She had lived in the area for 40 years, working for the last 28 years at Stoke High School as an administrator.

“The family would like to thank everyone who assisted at the scene.”

Neighbours said they were shocked by the death of Mrs Garnham and they paid tribute to the school administrator and finance assistant.

One woman, who declined to be named, said Mrs Garnham and her husband Mike, who is understood to work for Suffolk County Council, had recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

They usually walked together to go and buy a newspaper but on this occasion Mr Garnham had stayed at home to watch the Malaysian Grand Prix on television.

“She was a lovely woman who was always on the go, pottering about. She was also the sort of woman who would have helped anyone in need,” she said.

Mrs Garnham was hit by what is believed to be a dark-coloured hatchback car which could have been modified. Police say it may have sustained rear end damage in the collision.

Anne-Marie Breach, a police spokeswoman, said the car is thought to have veered off the road and collided with Mrs Garnham.

She said: “Following investigations with those in the area at the time it's now known that the young man driving the car did initially stop at the scene and got out of the vehicle where he spoke to witnesses.

“However he then left, saying he was going to call an ambulance.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Jepson said: “The young man is described as white, in his late teens to 20s, with short dark hair and a slim build.

“He was initially concerned enough to stop the vehicle but then left, telling others at the scene that he was going to call an ambulance.

“It is important that he comes forward now and we would ask him to do the right thing and get in touch as soon as possible.

“We'd still also like to hear from anyone who saw the collision or who was in the area at the time and anyone who may have information about the vehicle involved.”

Anyone with information about the accident or the car should contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500.