Hunt for Elsenham hit-and-run van driver who ‘left teenagers for dead’ continues
Police joined Elsenham’s community Speed Watch team to target speeding motorists as the hunt for a hit-and-run van driver who ‘left two teenagers for dead’ continues.
Officers from Uttlesford’s rural engagement team joined volunteers to conduct on-site speed checks in response to concerns about drivers exceeding limits through the village.
Six tickets were issued to motorists caught doing more than 30mph along High Street.
It followed the latest appeal by Essex Police for information about an incident on October 5 at the opposite end of the village in Stansted Road when 16-year-old friends Nathan Roper and Olivia Dally were hit from behind by a van that mounted the pavement while they were out dog walking.
The teenagers were taken to hospital. Nathan suffered serious injuries, including a lacerated kidney and a bleed on the brain. Both have since recovered, but were left “shocked” by the incident.
Nathan was praised for putting himself on the roadside as the pair walked along, which prevented Olivia from being more seriously injured.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a collision in Elsenham earlier this month which left two teenagers injured are appealing for witnesses.
“A white Ford Transit van was in collision with two 16-year-olds in Stansted Road at around 9.45pm. The van failed to stop at the scene.
“If you have CCTV, dashcam or other footage, or have any information in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. Please quote incident 1199 of 5 October.”
Meanwhile, in Stansted, the parish council is highlighting an initiative where residents can join police on patrol to discuss issues of concern.
Parish councillor Jo Kavanagh and Jamie Gardner joined village PCSO (police community support officer) Alex Stewart for a walkabout on October 24, starting at the Mountfitchet Exchange in Crafton Green and then focusing on Forest Hall Park.
Said a parish council spokesperson: “This is the first of a series of patrols where councillors and residents can walk the beat with Essex Police’s Uttlesford South team. The patrols let residents share concerns with the PCSO and point out areas needing attention.
“On [the] Friday, residents reported suspected drug activity and the PCSO advised on how to report such issues. By accompanying the PCSO, councillors were able to hear firsthand people’s concerns and get an insight into how they are handled by the police.
“The patrol also allows the PCSO to gather intelligence to share with other members of the Uttlesford South team.”
The next patrol is scheduled for Thursday November 20 starting at midday.
At Stansted Parish Council’s meeting last week, chair Cllr Maureen Caton said that she had met with police to discuss a number of community issues.
“This included the lack of useful information included in the Neighbourhood Watch report, visibility of the PCSO and our time allocation of 50%, youth club support, local issues in general and support to enhance our Speed Watch numbers and activity in the village.
“I was therefore surprised to see the PCSO report with the number of hours spent in Stansted noted as 32, and what still appears to be an inappropriate sharing of time between us and Elsenham and Henham, who had 40 hours of PCSO time in total.
“It will need to be clarified how this is addressed, e.g. per annum. I am also aware of comments from parishioners wishing to see more of a walkabout presence of our PCSO, and although this has been raised, I will reassert this request.”