A family has paid tribute to an 84-year-old grandfather who died after a crash on a Sainsbury's car park in Merseyside. Robert Siner, known to loved ones as Bobby, was a pedestrian when he was involved in a collision with an orange-coloured van on the Knotty Ash superstore car park on Saturday, October 10.
Robert was taken to hospital following the incident but, despite the efforts of medical staff, died more than two weeks later on Monday, October 26. The van driver stopped at the scene and is assisting Merseyside Police with their enquiries.
Family's tribute to a 'true gentleman'
Robert's family issued a heartfelt statement describing him as a "much-loved husband, dad, grandad and friend". They said: "He was a true gentleman who had time for everyone he came across on his many walks. He was always the optimist and saw the good in people – he was a glass always half-full type of guy. He became a familiar face to many people in the local community who would see him on his daily walks."
The tribute continued: "As a husband, he was kind and loving, a best friend who offered constant support. As a dad he was warm, loving, fun, always the optimist he taught us to always see the best in people and the best in life - and he was a bit of a cheeky rogue! As a grandad he was devoted to his grandchildren, never causing a fuss to do the school run on foot, and he loved to have sing along and sweets on the way home!"
Robert enjoyed socialising at the Derby Lodge on Prescot Road, where he played dominoes and watched his beloved Liverpool FC. The family noted he "was known by everyone the length and breadth of Old Swan and Edge Hill".
Police appeal for witnesses
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, the Lead Investigating Officer from the Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "My thoughts and those of my team remain with Robert's family at this desperately sad time. They are being supported by a specially trained Family Liaison Officer."
He added: "Our investigation continues, and our priority is to ensure we get answers for Robert's family and establish the facts about what happened. The car park was busy at the time of the collision and while we have already spoken to some witnesses and obtained CCTV footage, I would ask people to cast their minds back to 10 October."
Police are asking anyone with information or additional footage to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747 or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, quoting reference 26000833315. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
