Grandad, 79, left with serious injuries after he was struck by hit-and-run driver

A family has launched an appeal after a “gentle and kind” grandfather was left with serious injuries when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Fuad Ghalib, 79, was out to get food for a party to celebrate a visit from his granddaughter when he was hit by a car that police had tried to stop shortly beforehand.

While officers stopped to help, the driver of the Volkswagen Golf sped off, leading Mr Ghalib – described as the “heart and soul” of his family – seriously injured.

Police and Mr Ghalib’s family are now appealing for any witnesses to the incident, which happened on Sunday, October 1 in the Caythorpe Street area of Moss Side in Manchester.

A statement released by Mr Ghalib’s daughter on behalf of his family said: “To get to the age of 79, being loved by everyone, says a lot about how gentle and kind my dad is.”

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The statement described the 79-year-old as “everyone’s ‘Papa Smurf'”, adding: and “Dad helped care for my brother, who has special needs. He took him out and fed him and took him for his exercise and walks.

“Dad enjoyed going out for walks and the finer things in life. On the day of the awful accident, he went out to get food for a party the family had thrown to celebrate a visit from his granddaughter.

“Our celebrations were replaced with a brutal and selfish hit. The devastation of his injuries extends further than the physical impact, it has hurt the family at its core, especially my brother who can’t comprehend what has happened and he has been left terrified from seeing his dad injured.

“Dad’s family and friends pray for his return home, we all miss the spark he had! We just want you back like you were!”

Senior investigating officer Sergeant Lee Westhead, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “A team of officers are working tirelessly to identify the driver at the time of the collision, but we need the public’s help.

“I would like to speak to anyone who knows the identity of the driver at the time of the collision or who saw the VW Golf at any time on Sunday October 1.

“A man is seriously injured in hospital – this is not the time for misplaced loyalty. I am also keen to speak to the person who flagged down the police car to report that Mr Ghalib had been injured.

“This person left the area before officers had the chance to obtain their details.”