An 84-year-old dad from Old Swan has died after being hit by a van in a Sainsbury's car park. Robert Siner was taken to hospital following the incident on Saturday, October 10, and later died from his injuries on Monday, October 26.
Collision on East Prescot Road
Officers were called to Sainsbury's car park on East Prescot Road in Knotty Ash at around 3.40pm on October 10 following reports that an orange-coloured van had hit a pedestrian. Merseyside Police said the van driver stopped at the scene and is assisting police with enquiries.
Today (Thursday, October 29), Robert's family paid tribute to him. In a statement issued via Merseyside Police, they said Robert, also known as Bobby, was a "true gentleman" who was a regular at his local pub.
Family tribute
They said: "We are heartbroken to share the passing of Robert 'Bobby' Siner, a much-loved husband, dad, grandad and friend.
"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.
"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!
"He loved going to his the local, the Derby Lodge on Prescot Road, to socialise with his good friends where they played domino's and watched his beloved Liverpool FC.
"Bobby was known by everyone the length and breadth of Old Swan and Edge Hill. While our hearts are broken, and we are still totally in shock, we are grateful for the time we had and all the countless memories that bring us comfort at this difficult time.
"Bobby leaves behind a legacy of love of that will live on forever in all the hearts he touched, and we kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time as we grieve and begin to heal. We are thankful for the support and kindness that we have received, it means the world to us, thank you."
Appeal for witnesses
Enquiries are ongoing and officers are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or the events leading up to it, to come forward.
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.
"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.
"If you saw the collision or feel you have information that may help our enquiries, please get in touch. Equally, if you have any additional footage, it could help us to establish exactly how this collision took place."
Anyone with information is asked to direct message @MerPolCC on social media, contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, quoting reference 26000833315. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you were present and continue to be affected by this incident, help can be obtained through Aftermath Support, by calling 0845 634 4273 or emailing support@aftermathsupprt.org.uk.
