Father killed by 'getaway gang'

Bryan Hardwick and his son Liam were on a family conker-picking trip

A man has been killed and his young son seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash after a trip to collect conkers.

Bryan Hardwick, 26, was run over on the A688 at Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on Saturday. His son Liam, two, is said to be in serious but stable condition.

Police believe the occupants of the car were fleeing after stealing beer from a nearby supermarket.

Family friend Dave Weatherburn was also seriously hurt. The group was waiting to cross the road when it happened.

Liam's three-year-old sister Brogan, who was also in the group, was unhurt.

The condition of Mr Weatherburn, 40, is said to be serious.

Liam, who is being treated at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, was in his pushchair when he was hit by a Rover 45.

The vehicle, which contained four people, continued down a grassed embankment and hit a tree, police said.

We are now praying that Liam will pull through Gillian Sanderson, grandmother

Firefighters cut a 14-year-old boy and a 22-year-old from the back of the car. They are described as being seriously ill.

Two people in the front ran off. Police later arrested two men, aged 26 and 18, in connection with the crash.

Mr Hardwick has been described as a "loving father".

His partner, Kayleigh Sanderson, 21, said: "They had gone to get some conkers from St Andrew's churchyard.

"They were on their way home when the accident happened."

Her mother, Gillian Sanderson, 39, added: "Bryan was a lovely boy, devoted to his kids.

"We are now praying that Liam will pull through."

A Durham Police spokesman said: "It is believed that, shortly before the incident, the occupants of the vehicle were involved in a theft at the Asda supermarket in South Church Road, Bishop Auckland.

"Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the theft or saw the vehicle travelling between that location and the scene of the collision."