Dad dies saving hit-run daughter

FLORAL tributes at the scene of the incident in Oldham Road

AN Oldham father died saving his young daughter in a hit-and-run horror accident.

Wayne Leary (39), from Hollinwood, pushed little Amie to safety seconds before he was hit by a car in Oldham Road on Saturday night.

Mr Leary, who works in the Greggs factory in Clayton, was crossing the road near the Crown and Cushion pub, when he was struck by a Kia Picanto car at about 11.20pm.

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop at the scene, and the car was found abandoned further up the road.

Mr Leary was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital suffering multiple injuries.

He was later transferred to Salford Royal but died on Sunday.

Mr Leary was described by his devastated family as a “brilliant dad” who doted on his daughter Amie, who is 11 today.

Mr Leary had spent the day with Amie visiting friends and family and was heading home.

The pair were waiting for a taxi and had crossed the road when the incident happened.

Staff at the near-by Royal Oak pub spoke of their shock. A member of staff said: “We didn’t realise anything had happened until after midnight because we were watching the boxing on TV.

“There was police and ambulance outside.

“It was the police who told us there had been a hit-and-run.”

A floral bouquet and teddy bear were attached to railings near to the scene of the accident yesterday.

Tributes read: “Wayne, RIP mate, you will be missed a lot. Warren and Nic”.

A tribute page has also been created on the networking website Facebook. Tributes read: “Rest in peace mate, gone too soon.”

Traffic officers are appealing for any witnesses to contact them on 0161-856 8473.