A man who died after being hit by a car was a 'Good Samaritan' who was helping a stranger, police have said. Father-of-two Christian Marriott was hit after a car ploughed into a crowd of people during a disturbance on Wednesday (December 27).
South Yorkshire Police named the 46-year-old man tonight (Thursday) who died in the incident in College Close, in the Burngreave area of Sheffield. The force said Mr Marriott, who was known as Chris, was out for a post-Christmas walk with his wife and two young sons, aged eight and six.
He spotted a woman lying unconscious in the street just after 2pm on Wednesday, and went to her aid. Officers believe he left his family and stopped to provide first aid to the woman, before a car then collided with them both and a number of others.
It is believed the woman had been involved in an altercation and several other people suffered injuries during the incident, including an off-duty midwife who had also stopped to help.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Knowles said: “This is an utterly heartbreaking case in which a Good Samaritan, who had stepped in to help a stranger in their time of need, has lost his life. Chris leaves behind a loving family including his devastated wife and two young sons.
"We are absolutely determined to secure justice for Chris and his loved ones following this horrific tragedy."
Two men arrested in connection with the incident – one on suspicion of murder – remain in custody, the force said. Burngreave residents said the incident happened outside a house at the junction of College Close and College Court – two quiet cul-de-sacs of modern houses near Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital.
Police had already been called to a violent disturbance in the street when the car ploughed into those gathered outside. Neighbours said the altercation was related to some kind of dispute between two families.
Mr Knowles said: “Increased patrols will continue in the area in the coming days and local people will continue to see officers carrying out inquiries, including going house to house to gather witness statements. There are people in that community who hold information which is vital to our investigation and have not yet given statements.
“I want to be able to get to the bottom of what happened for Chris and his family. I need those people with information to do the right thing. If you don’t want to talk to us directly, you can use Crimestoppers and remain 100% anonymous.”
