Cosham high street shopkeepers rushed to aid woman, 85, in fatal van crash

The woman was crossing Vectis Way in Cosham, Portsmouth, when she was hit by a white Nissan van just before midday on Thursday.

Local shopkeepers and passers-by did what they could to help the pensioner until she was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital. But she later died from her injuries.

Hampshire police have arrested a 61-year-old man from Cosham on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. They have asked witnesses to contact them to help them with their inquiries.

Seyad Sadat, owner of The Castle Sweets shop in High Street, was among those involved in helping the woman at the scene after the crash.

He was joined by Richard Paddon, owner of The Hertfordshire Coffee Company, and eight others. Recounting the ordeal, Mr Sadat told The News: ‘I was stood behind the counter when the accident happened. Richard ran out his store to help and I joined him. It was shocking. My heart was going so fast.’

One man, who works nearby but asked not to be named, told The News: ‘There were people everywhere. I was in disbelief. It’s all just such a blur. It was so awful to see.’

Fire crews from Cosham and Portchester were scrambled to the scene, alongside police and paramedics.

Two ambulances and an ambulance officer were also deployed. The woman was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital with ‘life-threatening’ injuries, Hampshire police initially said. But she later died from her injuries.

A police spokesman said her family are being supported by specialist officers.

He added: ‘Officers investigating the exact circumstances of the collision are keen to speak with any witnesses.

‘Please call 101, quoting the reference number 802 of (October 7).'

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