Support for lollipop man 'hit while helping children on zebra crossing'

A lollipop man in Cornwall has thanked everyone for their support after he was allegedly hit by a vehicle while helping school children across the road.

Cornwall Councillor Dulcie Tudor posted on her official Facebook page to say that there had been an incident involving Chacewater’s lollipop man Ritchie Northey, while he was supporting children over the zebra crossing in the village.

He was described as “not seriously hurt”, although shaken by the incident, with the crossing sign broken as a result.

Dulcie posted on Thursday: “A [vehicle] hit Chacewater's lollipop man this morning while he was helping school children on the zebra crossing.

"Ritchie is not seriously hurt, but shaken. His crossing sign has been broken in two, we're very lucky it wasn't him!

“He couldn't get the number plate and the driver didn't stop but carried on heading west towards Scorrier.

“If anyone has dashcam footage of the incident, or witnessed the incident or has any information they can pass on please get in touch with the police, Chacewater Parish Council or myself. Thanks.”

She subsequently posted an update on Friday to say that Ritchie was back on duty, adding that CCTV footage taken at the time of the incident had been passed to the police and witnesses had come forward.

Dulcie also promised to follow up with the police next week to see how the matter had progressed.

“Ritchie’s been really touched by the outpouring of sympathy and the volume of messages he has received from well wishers,” she added.

In a video, Ritchie thanked everyone for the support they had shown him, with children even making him a card to show their appreciation for what he does. It features hand drawn pictures of him in action helping people cross the road, with the words: “Something to make you smile”

He said: “Thank you very much everybody for inquiring about me. Thank you very much.”

When asked whether he was OK, he replied: “Well shock, that’s the only thing.”

Chacewater Parish Council posted on Thursday: "Appeal for witness: If anyone witnessed or has dash cam footage of the incident that took place this morning involving our school crossing attended (lollipop man) and a [vehicle] who was heading towards Scorrier and failed to stop please get in touch via parish.clerk@chacewater.org"