Hunt for hit-run driver after elderly man killed 'walking home' in St Albans
The driver of a red hatchback believed to be behind a hit-run that killed an elderly man in Melbourne's north-west would have "no doubt" they struck a person, police say.
Arthur Frangis, 78, died after being hit by a car travelling east on Main Road East in St Albans, at the corner of Erica Avenue, about 9pm on Wednesday night.
He was walking home from volunteering at the local soccer club when he was fatally struck, Nine News reports.
The car did not stop and is yet to be found.
A passerby called emergency services but Mr Frangis, from St Albans, died at the scene.
Mr Frangis leaves behind his wife Helen and three children, who are pleading for the driver responsible to come forward.
Police are looking for the driver of a red hatchback, which is believed to have damage to the central bonnet and windscreen.
Major Collision Investigation Unit Inspector Tony Long said the driver would have "no doubt at all they'd struck a pedestrian" and the car would have "significant damage".
Detective Inspector Stuart McGregor said it was "pretty low" to drive off after hitting a pedestrian.
"There's no way you can hit a person with a car and not think you've seriously injured them or killed them," he said on 3AW radio.
Police have released CCTV images of the red hatchback as well as two dark coloured cars seen on the road, and would like to speak to the drivers.
The death takes the road toll for this year to 115, compared to 76 at the same time last year.
It comes as the government announced an emergency expert summit to address the concerning road toll, which will be held on May 31.
It's the worst start to the year since 2008, after a record low road death toll in 2018.
It comes as the government announced an emergency expert summit to address the concerning road toll, which will be held on May 31.
It's the worst start to the year since 2008, after a record low road death toll in 2018.
Anyone with information, dashcam footage or who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au