Shocking moment grandfather, 95, is sent flying by hit-and-run BMW driver but miraculously escapes with only minor injuries – as police launch hunt for motorist

This is the shocking moment a 95-year-old grandfather was flung into the air after being knocked down by a BMW that sped away without stopping.

Mohammed Akbar suffered bruises all over his body as well as injuries to his knees and jaw when the high-powered grey vehicle smashed into him as he crossed a road.

The pensioner had been walking to a shop on Audley Range in Blackburn, Lancashire, on Friday to pay a bill when the BMW 318d suddenly veered into him.

CCTV footage shows the retired bus driver crossing the road at around 1.50pm.

The BMW can be seen at a junction before quickly speeding off and turning right, seemingly not noticing that anyone was crossing.

Mr Akbar’s limp body is suddenly flung against the bonnet as the vehicle crashes into him.

People immediately run over to Mr Akbar as he is sprawled out on the ground, but the car shamelessly pulls away and leaves the scene.

Police are now searching for the driver of the BMW, while Mohammed’s son Masood Akhtar has also asked for help finding the motorist.

Mr Akhtar said: ‘How can you justify that? Have some heart. He just left and did not even bother to stop and see how our dad was.

‘As a family, we are still in shock. I keep going through the incident and wish it had happened to me.

‘We have a lot of people from across Blackburn and the country who have been getting in touch to find out how he is.

‘There are a lot of people just driving irresponsibly and zooming around.

‘If you have a young child or an elderly person who is crossing the road I would urge people just look out for them.

‘I think this has got worse and it is dangerous out there for the very young and the elderly. We really need to speak out about this.’

Mr Akbar was rushed to hospital with numerous injuries but has thankfully returned home where he is recovering.

However, Mr Akhtar said his family have been left shaken by the incident, which could have taken the life of his much-loved father.

He added: ‘He is very careful and always looks to see if it is safe.

‘He was crossing over and was being watched by the person who dropped him off too. Then this happened.

‘I got a call from someone as they recognised who he was, and they told me what had happened. I came across as quickly as I could.

‘It was really shocking to see. You just don’t wish this on anybody. It was an elderly person just going about his business.

‘My eight-year-old is really upset as are all of his grandchildren.

‘My dad still likes to get out and about and wants to do things himself.’

Lancashire police are looking to hear from witnesses or anyone with dashcam, CCTV, or mobile phone footage capturing the BMW before or after the crash.

Sergent Pete Fayers, of the road policing unit, said: ‘This collision has left a pensioner seriously injured and my thoughts are with him and his loved ones at this time.

‘I want to appeal directly to the driver of the BMW to do the right thing and make contact with the police straight away.’