Stephen Wills

On April 14, 2008 Stephen Wills, 55, of Hartington Street, Moss Side, was struck and run over by a hit and run driver on Princess Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The BBC reported that Stephen may have been run over more than once, given the extent of his injuries.

Vehicles were seen detouring around Stephen's body as it lay in the road rather than stopping to help.

A police source is quoted as saying

"It's a pretty sad state set of affairs when people refuse to stop to help a fellow human clearly in dire need of help.

"These people might be saying it's too much trouble to get involved. But refusing to help a dying man is simply inhumane."

Tearful Shahid Karim, 25, who was brought up by Stephen, said:

"He was wonderful. I called him dad.

"He was so kind hearted. He could never stand by and watch someone be upset. If he had to go without to help someone, then he would. He'd do anything for anyone."

Stephen's next door neighbour Julia Wheat, 58, added: "He was a lovely man who would speak to and help anybody."

Police identified the vehicle that killed him as a stolen car that soon after was found set on fire in nearby Fallowfield. The investigation is ongoing and police are searching for eye-witnesses to the crash and previous sightings of the stolen car.

A local blog notes that a ghost bike was placed and a memorial ride organized for Stephen:
http://sociomath.wordpress.com/2008/09/05/ghost-bikes-a-lesson-in-co-fee...