Two hit-and-runs in Wanganui

A 72-year-old woman and her dog are dead after a hit and run in Wanganui this morning.

Detective Sergeant Philip Taylor said the local woman was walking her two dogs in Montgomery Road about 6.45am when a car hit her from behind.

It appeared the car had drifted off the side of the road and hit the woman, who was walking on the grass verge.

The car was described as a blue or green Ford Festiva hatchback or similar which would have front panel damage as a result of hitting the woman.

The hit and run was the second of the morning for Wanganui police; about 4.15am, a 27-year-old man was hit by a car in Tinirau Street while crossing the road.

The man was taken to Wanganui Hospital before being flown to Wellington Hospital for emergency surgery. He is in a serious but stable condition.

The car which hit him was a 1989 red Ford Falcon, which is missing its front bumper, Mr Taylor said.

Police wanted to hear from anyone with information about either incident.

- NZPA