Police renew hit and run victim appeal

Police in north Belfast have issued a fresh appeal into the death of 34-year-old Stephen Montgomery.

Mr Montgomery died a year ago as the result of a hit and run incident at around 3am on February 13, on the Jamaica Road area of the city. He suffered serious injuries to his head and body during the collision and later died in hospital.

Over the past 12 months, police have repeatedly appealed for anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward, and they hope that by launching this fresh appeal people will be encouraged to speak to them.

Inspector Gavin Kirkpatrick, who is leading the investigation, today said: “The last 12 months have been an incredibly difficult time for Stephen’s family and his closest friends. Not a day goes by when they do not think about Stephen and what happened to him that night.

“They would like to be in a position to move forward but until the people who were in the vehicle that struck Stephen that night are identified and this investigation is concluded, Stephen’s family and friends will be unable to do this.”

Inspector Kirkpatrick added that he believed that there was information out there that had not yet been passed onto the investigation team.

Stephen Montgomery was wearing a t-shirt, dark coloured jeans and white trainers when the incident took place.

The vehicle that struck him would have experienced frontal damage as a result of the collision. Police have asked for anyone who was in the area and saw Stephen, witnessed the collision or can help identify the vehicle involved and its occupant or occupants, to get in touch with them.

The Inspector added: “The driver and any occupants of this vehicle must regularly think about what happened. They may feel it is too late to come forward. I would stress that it is not too late to speak to police or for anyone with information to contact us.”

Police revisited the Jamaica Road area of north Belfast over the weekend to speak to motorists and hand out leaflets in a bid to jog someone's memory to uncover the vital information into the inquiry into Mr Montgomery's death.

Police can be contacted on 0845 600 8000, or on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

(EF/SP)