Hit-and-run victim father 'slowly on the mend'

A father who was left for dead by a speeding hit-and-run driver in a suspected stolen car is slowly on the mend, his wife said.

Andy Payne, 53, is recovering at home after being flung into the air by a Fiat 500 which smashed into him as he crossed the road.

Shocking footage of the hit-and-run in Montague Place in the Kemptown area of Brighton has been viewed by almost three million people, Sussex Police said.

At the family home in Hove, East Sussex, Mr Payne's wife Lisa spoke briefly and said: "He's getting better slowly. He's not too bad."

She declined to comment further as police continued to question a man arrested on Tuesday night over the crash which happened at 3.40pm on January 14.

The 31-year-old suspect from Brighton was detained after trying to hide on a roof in Donald Hall Road. He was held on suspicion of dangerous driving causing serious injury, attempting to pervert the course of justice and aggravated vehicle taking.

A 56-year-old woman, also from Brighton, who was arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice has been bailed until April 3.

In the footage released by police, a witness can be seen holding their hand to their mouth in shock at the impact.

Mr Payne is seen sprawled motionless in the middle of the road as passers-by stand around in disbelief.

Sergeant Dan Pitcher said: "We know the CCTV was very shocking but almost three million people watched it, we had 16,000 comments and more than 6,000 liked it on Facebook alone.

"More than 300 people retweeted our appeal on Twitter. We have passed on all the well-wishes from people on social media to the victim who is grateful of the support.

"He is continuing to recover well at home." Meanwhile, police have traced the drivers of four vehicles they were looking to speak to, he added.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, and anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101, quoting Operation Northdown.