A PEDESTRIAN has died after a hit-and-run collision.

Neighbours have reacted with shock after the 69-year-old man was pronounced dead following the incident on Friday evening.

The incident occurred between 7.15pm and 7.30pm at the junction of Darby's Lane and Heath Avenue in Poole.

Police cordoned off the junction and ambulance services attended the scene.

Chief Inspector Tracey Baker said they are "urging" the driver of that vehicle to come forward.

"We are also urgently trying to locate any witnesses to the collision.

"Officers are investigating how the man came to be injured. Anyone who saw an elderly man walking in the area or anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101." Gwen Albert, 84, who lives on Darby’s Lane said: “It sounds like a really horrible accident. I personally didn’t hear any brakes screeching. “It is a particularly difficult junction because often people don’t look both ways and there are cars blocking the view.

“I’ve seen two accidents whilst I’ve lived here. I’m so sad to hear when anyone has been injured, young or old.”

Rob Halfhide also lives on Darby's Lane.

He said: “The police came round and I knew it was serious because they said the elderly man was not speaking.

“An ambulance definitely came round.

"There was a police cordon strretching from my drive and it surrounded the crossroads.

“The police were inspecting the floor, probably looking for tyre marks and paint marks. I’ve heard it was an elderly gentleman and that the car did not stop."

Susan Mansbridge, who also lives nearby, said: “It is so sad. He was probably local if he was walking around at that time.”

Kevin Long, of Heath Avenue, added: “When I arrived home at around 9pm or 9.30pm the whole area was cordoned off and police were still here at gone 1am.

“It is so sad.”

Anyone witnesses or anyone with information can contact Dorset Police on 101.