HOMEOWNERS spoke of their shock after a hit-and-run that left a pensioner fighting for his life.

The emergency services were called shortly before 9pm on Sunday evening to Southernwood Drive, Woodhall Park, after a 75-year-old man was knocked to the ground by a Vauxhall Corsa.

It is believed the man was an occupant in a Toyota Yaris that moments earlier had been forced off the road. The Advertiser understands the man was holding pen and paper when he was hit, possibly in a bid to get the registration plate of the blue Vauxhall.

Residents and paramedics battled to save the man’s life, performing chest compressions. He was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital, where his condition is described as life-threatening.

Police said the occupants of the Corsa had fled the scene. No arrests have yet been made.

Yesterday, residents along leafy Southernwood Drive said the suspected hit-and-run had shocked the quiet north Swindon community

Sylvie Kimber ran out to help the stricken pensioner after hearing a thud before 9pm: “We’re not a chatty neighbourhood, but when it came to helping out everybody did their bit. The people who helped did a brilliant job.”

She has lived in the area for 33 years: “It’s very quiet, very unassuming.”

Steve Taylor, 57, a resident on Southernwood Drive for 13 years, said his wife had heard a noise in the road: “When I came out the house the poor chap was out there on the road. People were attending to him, doing CPR.”

Linda Tucker told the Advertiser: “You don’t expect that around here. It’s a lovely area, it’s very quiet. Nothing very much goes on round here.”

Another man, 69, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s a very quiet place. I’ve been here 31 years. Most of the people who move here stay here.”

Westfield Way and Southernwood Drive was shut until the early hours of Monday morning while forensics officers and police crash investigators carried out tests. Detectives were also at the scene.

PC Windsor of the Tri-Force roads policing unit said: “Police are keen to trace any witnesses to the incident who have seen the vehicles prior to the collision and anyone who was in the area at the time and may have dash-cam footage.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting crime reference 54180062834. Information can also be left anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111