Pedestrian hit by ambulance dies

Jason Hawkes lived with his parents in Llantrisant and was single

Police are investigating after a 23-year-old man died after he was hit by an ambulance on New Year's Eve.

Jason Phillip Hawkes, from Llantrisant, was outside Scott's Hotel in Beddau, near Pontypridd, when he was struck by the vehicle just after 1930 GMT.

Police said Mr Hawkes was lying in the road when the ambulance, which was not on an emergency call out, hit him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed one of its vehicles was involved.

A spokesperson said their thoughts were with the family of Mr Hawkes, who was single and unemployed and lived with his parents, for their tragic loss.

The ambulance was travelling westbound towards Talbot Green. Two crew members, who were the only occupants of the ambulance, were not injured.

Insp Carwyn Evans of South Wales Police said: "We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the collision or seen the man in the vicinity prior to the collision to contact us.

"We would like to speak to anyone who was travelling along that section of road, in either direction, around the time and would ask them to call us."

Mr Hawkes was pronounced dead at the scene

An ambulance service spokesperson said: "I can confirm that one of our emergency ambulances was involved in an accident involving a pedestrian who died at the scene.

"Our thoughts are with the family for their tragic loss.

"This incident is subject to a police investigation which means I can offer no further details."

The spokesperson added:"As I said all our thoughts are with the family at this time and with the ambulance staff involved."

Winston Lee, the owner of Scott's Hotel, said no-one there knew who the dead man was.

He said: "He hadn't been drinking in the hotel beforehand. It's just really sad that this has happened, and on New Year's Eve."

Witnesses can contact police on 01656 655555.