A PENSIONER was thrown into the air after being struck by a car as he crossed a busy road.

An inquest this week heard how 77-year-old Mr Cyril Whyte landed on the bonnet of the Toyota, suffering multiple injuries.

He died in Bury General Hospital the following morning despite emergency surgery.

The car, driven by Mr Shahzad Akram of Bolton, failed to stop after the accident in Walmersley Road, Bury, on July 10.

Mr Akram was, according to eye witnesses, driving over the central white line as he attempted to turn towards Hornby Street.

He collided with Mr Whyte, of Burrswood Avenue, Limefield, Bury, close to the junction of Eldon Street.

Police later arrested Akram, who has been charged with the aggravated taking of a motor vehicle, driving without due care and attention, and having no insurance.

At Tuesday's inquest in Bury, coroner Mr Barrie Williams heard how several witnesses saw Akram's vehicle just before the collision with Mr Whyte, a retired warehouse worker.

Driver Mr Adrian Hyndman, who was waiting to turn into Walmersley Road, said he saw the Toyota hit what he first thought was a box or a bin bag before realising it was a pedestrian.

"The car should not have been where it was," he said. "It was over the white lines." Local shop worker Mrs Maria Malaniuk told the inquest how she heard a screech of brakes near to the pelican crossing and saw the Toyota turn into Eldon Street with "a body on the bonnet".

Mr Whyte was rushed to Bury General Hospital where doctors performed surgery on his left leg. He failed to recover from the operation and died in the early hours of the morning.

In a statement read out to the inquest, Mr Akram said he was driving the car at 30mph as he made his way to Moorside Taxis to act as radio operator.

"A man stepped from the kerb and I braked but just hit him," he added.

Police accident investigators confirmed Akram was not exceeding the speed limit but said his view of the road ahead was not impeded. They concluded that there was no reason why he did not see Mr Whyte sooner.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Williams said the injuries suffered by Mr Whyte were too much for him to withstand.

"I feel Mr Whyte's use of the nearby pelican crossing would have afforded him greater protection. The driver clearly was also inattentive," concluded Mr Williams.

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