Investigating policeman discovers fatal hit-and-run victim is his mother

A Manchester police officer was sent to investigate a fatal hit-and-run accident only to discover the dead victim was his mother. Rob Smythe, of the Greater Manchester Police (GMP), was sent to the scene of a collision in Stretford, Trafford..

Susan Smythe had been struck by a blue VW Golf at about 10pm BST on Friday 9 September as she walked home from bingo. When Rob arrived he found out that the 59-year-old had suffered horrific injuries in the crash.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics Smythe was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, it is alleged, had fled the scene of the collision.

Paul Tomlinson of Helsby Road, Sale Moor, has since been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis. The 33-year-old has been remanded in custody to appear at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court on 10 October, 2016..

Paying tribute to Susan, her bereaved family said in a statement on Sunday (11 September): "Susan was born in Old Trafford and lived in the area her whole life surrounded by her brothers and sisters who she loved to see regularly. She worked part time with one of her sisters as a barmaid at the Trafford Social Club and liked to socialise locally with both her brothers and sisters, and also with her friends.

"She also enjoyed going to the Bingo with her family where she would meet more of her friends. She was on her way home from playing Bingo when she tragically died. We are absolutely devastated by her death and will miss her greatly. We are appealing to anyone who witnessed what happened to please contact police."

The force said they were supporting Rob and the rest of the family and are still urging witnesses of the crash to come forward. Sergeant Lee Westhead, from GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved Susan and we continue to offer our support.

"We are continuing with enquiries and I would urge anyone with any information about this collision to please call police. If you also saw a blue Volkswagen Golf in the Old Trafford and Sale Moor areas around the time of the collision then please get in touch."