Shocking moment grandfather, 95, is sent flying by hit-and-run BMW driver but miraculously escapes with only minor injuries – as police launch hunt for motorist

This is the shocking moment when a 95-year-old grandfather was thrown into the air after being hit by a BMW that was speeding away without stopping.

Mohammed Akbar suffered bruises all over his body as well as injuries to his knees and jaw when the gray high-powered vehicle hit him while crossing a road.

The pensioner was heading to a shop on Audley Range in Blackburn, Lancashire, on Friday to pay a bill when the BMW 318d suddenly swerved towards him.

CCTV footage shows the retired bus driver crossing the road at around 1.50pm.

The BMW can be seen at a junction before rapidly accelerating and turning right, apparently unaware that someone was crossing.

Mr Akbar’s limp body suddenly crashes onto the bonnet as the vehicle crashes into him.

People immediately run towards Mr Akbar when he is lying on the ground, but the car brazenly drives away and leaves the scene.

Police are now searching for the driver of the BMW, while Mohammed’s son Masood Akhtar has also appealed for help in finding the driver.

Mr Akhtar said: ‘How can you justify that? Have some heart. He just drove off and didn’t even bother to stop to check on our dad.

‘As a family, we are still in shock. I keep going back over the incident and wish it had happened to me.

‘We have a lot of people from all over Blackburn and the country who have been in touch to see how they are doing.

‘There are a lot of people who just drive irresponsibly and spin around.

‘If there is a small child or an elderly person who is crossing the road, I urge you to be careful with them.

‘I think this has gotten worse and is dangerous for the very young and the elderly. “We really need to talk about this.”

Akbar was rushed to hospital with numerous injuries, but fortunately returned home where he is recovering.

However, Akhtar said his family was shocked by the incident, which could have taken the life of his much-loved father.

He added: “He is very careful and always looks to see if it is safe.”

“He was crossing and was being watched by the person who also dropped him off. Then this happened.

“I got a call from someone who recognized who I was and told me what had happened. I found myself as quickly as I could.

‘It was really shocking to see. You just don’t wish this on anyone. He was an older person who took care of his affairs.

‘My eight-year-old son is very upset as are all his grandchildren.

“My father still likes to go out and wants to do things himself.”

Lancashire Police are seeking to hear from witnesses or anyone with dash cams, CCTV or mobile phone footage capturing the BMW before or after the crash.

Sergeant Pete Fayers, of the highway policing unit, said: “This collision has left a pensioner seriously injured and my thoughts are with him and his loved ones at this time.”

“I want to directly ask the driver of the BMW to do the right thing and contact the police immediately.”