KEY POINTS:
Wellington police are hoping that forensic analysis of a hit-and-run victim's clothing will help work out the colour of the vehicle involved.
Earl Krayskopf, 41, was struck from behind by a vehicle in the Mt Victoria bus tunnel - which is off limits for cars and pedestrians - in Wellington on Saturday morning.
The incident happened sometime between 3.15am and 4am.
Fragments of paint found on Mr Krayskopf's clothing would be examined by ESR scientists to work out the colour of the vehicle involved, Wellington CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thornton said.
"We're confident the forensic analysis will give us information about the vehicle's colour."
It was possible the vehicle was one that regularly used the bus tunnel as a shortcut, Mr Thornton said.
Mr Krayskopf had walked from Courtenay Place soon after 3am and into the Mt Victoria side of the Pirie St tunnel.
Two people drove through the tunnel shortly after the incident and rang an ambulance.
"The driver must know someone was hit," Mr Thornton said.
It was likely the driver had talked to friends and family about what had happened.
"Someone must have noticed recent damage on a vehicle. We'd like to hear from these people."
The vehicle could have impact damage to both the front and left side.
Police wanted to hear from drivers who used the bus tunnel on a regular bases.
Police were also working with local residents to identify vehicles using the tunnel on Saturday morning.
- NZPA
