A father died in the arms of one of his friends after he was struck by a car in an alleged hit-and-run.
Janusz Partyka, 31, was knocked down as he crossed the A4 Great West Road in Osterley at 5am yesterday on his way home from a night out.
Police today appealed for information to help trace the driver of a blue BMW which allegedly sped away.
Mr Partyka’s grieving fiancée joined friends and family members at the Osterley Park Hotel last night. The builder was a regular customer at the pub and had been drinking with friends there in the hours before his death.
One man said: “He died in my arms” before collapsing in tears. Jit Ghataura, a close friend, said: “He had a heart of gold. He was a diamond. He would have done anything for you. It is a very sad day. He was such a good person. He did no harm to anybody.”
Witnesses said the driver hit Mr Partyka at high speed, throwing him into the air for several metres, before leaving the scene.
Police were called to the crossing on the A4 Great West Road, at the junction with Wood Lane, just before 5am. He was declared dead at the scene.
Detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit in Merton are investigating. A spokesman said: “Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a blue BMW driving away from the scene heading west-bound towards Heathrow.”
Anyone with information should call police on 020 8543 5157.
