Motorist, 69, dies after being run over by his own car as he tried to stop it rolling downhill

A man has died after being run over by his own car as he tried to stop it rolling downhill.

The 69-year-old had just returned to the Kia Sportage after a walk on Saturday afternoon when it started to roll downhill.

As he tried to stop it, the man was run over and despite emergency services being called to the scene, was pronounced dead.

The incident happened at around 2.20pm on Saturday at the junction of Crompton Way and Crompton Vale in Bolton, Greater Manchester Police said.

Sergeant Philip Shaw, from the force's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This appears to be a tragic accident and our thoughts are with this man's family at this terribly difficult time for them.

"It remains important that we conduct an investigation into the circumstances of this incident to make sure the family have answers to why this happened.

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"We encourage anyone who witnessed the incident, saw the car prior to the man's return to it, or has any information that may assist our enquiries to get in touch."

Anyone with any information is urged to call police on 0161 856 4741 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.