A PEDESTRIAN who was knocked down by a taxi in Corporation Street on Saturday evening is believed to have died as a result of his injuries.

The man, who has been named locally as Sridhar Munnaluri, was taken to Southmead Hospital's Major Trauma Unit after the crash which occured shortly before 8pm.

His death was announced in a statement released by Pradeep Bhardwaj, chairman of the Swindon Hindu Temple.

Mr Bhardwaj said: "It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our community members, Sridhar Munnaluri, who suffered fatal injuries on Saturday night in an accident involving a taxi in the town centre.

"Sridhar was immediately moved to Southmead Trauma Centre, Bristol where specialist medical professionals gave their best to revive him but unfortunately the extent of injuries was such that the life support had to be switched off.

"Sridhar was a very religious Hindu, a fondly neighbour and one of the most adored local tennis club members. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters, aged 5 months and 8 years.

"As a community, we are trying everything possible to help the family going through these most difficult times here and the extended family in India.

"Needless to say, the whole community is in shock and very anxious as it happened right in the heart of the town. We are in close contact with the police who are pursuing their investigation.

"We encourage everyone to share any information you may have on the accident, however small or insignificant it may seem. And we urge the entire community to extend as much support you can to the family and stand together."

Corporation Street was sealed off for much of Saturday night following the incident. 

Crime scene tape was stretched across the road and across adjoining side streets while specialist collision investigators worked to gather evidence from around the taxi. 

Residents and shopkeepers from nearby stores looked on, shocked by the incident that had occurred just outside.

The road remained closed as of 11pm on Saturday evening but was reopened by Sunday morning.

A spokesman for the Roads Policing Unit at Wiltshire Police said: "At about 7.44pm on Saturday, a serious road traffic collision occurred at the junction of Lagos Street and Corporation Street in Swindon. Involved in the collision was a Peugeot 5008 and a pedestrian.

"The pedestrian was seriously injured and taken to Southmead Hospital."

Clarification: An earlier version of this story carried an appeal from Wiltshire Police for information about the identity of the driver. 

The police have since confirmed that the appeal was issued in error and that they are satisfied that they know the identity of the driver. 

The Adver understands that he called the ambulance, remained at the scene throughout, and was fully cooperative with the police.