Leicestershire Police have the car’s details but haven’t made an arrest
06:00, 06 May 2026
Kumud in hospital after the hit-and-run
The family of a woman badly hurt in a hit-and-run are furious with Leicestershire Police for failing to arrest the driver.
Kumud Patel, 84, had been crossing Victoria Park Road on her mobility scooter when a vehicle struck her, leaving her with a gash in her head, a broken rib and two missing teeth – which meant a big dentist’s bill.
The injuries and mental effects have had a big impact on Kumud, who lives in Clarendon Park, Leicester, and was an active member of her local community before the incident.
Describing what happened in the incident last November, her daughter Hema said: “She had to go to the doctor and she was crossing the road when she was hit by a car, which sent her flying.
“Lots of witnesses saw it and stopped to help and they had the registration for the car, which had just driven off – something that no one could understand.
She lost two teeth and suffered injuries to her head and face
“I waited and waited for the police to make an arrest and nothing has happened. They’ve written to people and been round to see someone but nothing has happened.
“Now it’s been nearly six months, I’m worried they’re just going to close the investigation.
“I wrote to the police saying to them I don’t understand why they haven’t taken more time on it and found the person.
“This is a dangerous driver who’s out there on the road.
“If they can just mow over a little old lady and drive off, what does that say about that person?
“We need this person to be brought to justice.”
Some motoring offences must result in a charge within six months of the offence, which is another concern for the family.
Hema, who lives in Berkshire, said Kumud’s family lives all over the UK – none of them nearby – making the impact of the incident even worse.
She said: “My mum doesn’t like going out on her own now.”
Kumud before the incident
A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: “We received a call on 17 November last year regarding a non-stop collision in Leicester.
“It was reported that a mobility scooter had been involved in a collision with a vehicle on Victoria Park Road.
“The driver of the car briefly stopped before leaving the scene.
“A woman in her 80s, was taken to hospital where she received treatment for a broken rib, a small cut and damage to several teeth.
“Officers attended the address of the offending vehicles registered keeper that same evening but there was no answer.
“Since then, a number of enquires have been carried out, and continue to be, to identify and locate the driver.
“These have included sending several notices to the vehicles registered keeper’s address including a further address identified for them. These addresses have also been visited by officers again with no response.
“A marker was placed on the vehicle to stop and question the driver should it trigger an ANPR system. The offending vehicle now has a new registered keeper, so a legal notice has been sent to the new keeper to try and ascertain where and who they bought the vehicle from.
“Attempts have been made to speak to a possible witness who has yet to respond. A second possible witness has spoken to police but unfortunately did not see the actual collision.
“Local CCTV and dashcam enquiries were carried out and proved negative. Enquiries with the vehicle’s insurance details held at the time continue to be progressed.
“Our investigation is ongoing, and we are aware of and remain focused on, the legal six-month time limit which requires the prosecution process to commence within that timeframe.
“All potential lines of enquiry are actively being investigated and the victim’s family is being kept informed.”