AN 80-year-old man badly hurt in a road accident has died in hospital.

Now police need to find the car that hit him.

Alan Taylor, of Gomersal, died in Dewsbury District Hospital on Sunday night from his severe injuries.

He was struck by a car on New North Road in Heckmondwike at about 9.45pm last Wednesday.

The car failed to stop.

Police want to speak to anyone who saw it at that time or believes they have seen it since.

Det Insp Andy Parr, of Kirklees CID, who is leading the investigation, said: "It's vital we trace the vehicle involved.

"We know that Mr Naylor had been to a meeting at the Old Hall Pub on New North Road and that he was picked up by one of his friends in a maroon Fiat Punto.

"He was then dropped off at the traffic lights at the top of the road.

"We believe he was crossing the road when he was struck by a vehicle which was possibly coming down Gomersal Road towards Heckmondwike.

"We would like people to think back to Wednesday evening.

"Did you see Mr Naylor getting out of the Fiat Punto and cross the road?

"Were you waiting at the traffic lights? Do you remember any other vehicles being there at that time?

"We believe the answer to Mr Naylor's death lies within the local community. We would directly appeal for the driver of the vehicle to come forward.

"We are putting a large number of resources into tracing who is responsible. It is only a matter of time before we knock at their door.

"It would be better if they came forward themselves to tell us what has happened, rather than us finding them first."

Det Insp Parr added: "We would also appeal to people living in the Heckmondwike area to come forward if they have seen a vehicle with accident damage recently.

"Has a neighbour's car gone in for repairs?

"Mr Naylor's family is absolutely devastated by what has happened. We are determined to bring to justice the person responsible for his death."

A 22-year-old Heckmondwike man arrested in connection with the incident was released on police bail pending further inquiries.

* Anyone with information should phone police on 01924 431059 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.