Police watchdog urges woman who saw Maltby collision victim to get in touch

THE POLICE watchdog has launched an appeal to trace a woman who saw the victim of a fatal collision in Maltby less than an hour before he was hit.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for the woman to come forward to help with its investigation following the death of pedestrian Darren Smith (42) on Thursday, March 14.

Mr Smith was struck by a Dacia at around 8.20pm as he was walking along Common Lane between Ravenfield Common and Braithwell. He died at the scene.

The IOPC said it was investigating the contact South Yorkshire Police had with Mr Smith earlier that evening after he had been witnessed walking along Common Lane which was an unlit, country road.

The watchdog said it had gathered information from a number of witnesses, however, it was hoping to speak to the woman who they believe may have come into contact with Mr Smith prior to his death.

"The woman is described as being white and middle-aged with dark, curly hair," said an IOPC spokesman.

"She was driving a small, light coloured car (possibly the size of a small Peugeot), at 7.38pm on Greaves Sike Lane, at Micklebring, near Maltby.

"The car was stationary outside the built up area of Micklebring on the Hellaby side when a man who was walking in the road was seen to stand in front of this car when it stopped and place his hands on the bonnet, before the car drove off towards Ashton Lane and Hellaby Lane.

"There is no suggestion that the car collided with the man, or was driving inappropriately, but we believe the driver may have information crucial to our enquiries."

The IOPC said it would like the woman in the car, or anyone else with further information, to get in touch on 0800 0969079 or via email at [email protected]