Man arrested after suspected hit-and-run leaves 59-year-old victim fighting for his life

A man has been arrested in connection with a suspected hit-and-run which has left the victim battling for his life in hospital.

A 32-year-old suspect is in custody after police launched an attempted murder probe in Plymouth, Devon, on Thursday.

Police have this morning confirmed they have charged a local man with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, aggravated vehicle-taking and driving while disqualified.

Nicholas Cork was remanded in custody to appear at Plymouth Magistrates' Court later today.

Police said they have now recovered the Vauxhall Astra stolen during the incident after it was found at an address in the city.

Victim Geoffrey Hazeldene, 59, remains in an induced coma in hospital following the crash, in which he was struck by his own car.

A force spokesman said: "Police would like to thank the public for their response in this matter which has assisted in bringing this investigation to a satisfactory conclusion at an early stage.

"The investigation team will continue to support the family throughout this period and hope Geoffrey Hazeldene makes a full and speedy recovery from his injuries."

Officers say Mr Hazeldene, who has worked at the city's Devonport dockyard for 42 years since joining as an apprentice, was injured after trying to stop his car from being stolen.

Mr Hazeldene had parked his Astra outside a shop in Melrose Avenue in Plymouth at around 7am on Thursday while he went in to buy a newspaper.

Shirley Hazeldene yesterday spoke of her husband's battle to pull through, praising medical staff at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital for their help.

She added: "We don't know - are we going to get him back? They (medics) can't give us a prognosis. They don't know whether he will ever wake up or whether in a few months he will be back to normal.

"We just have to hope for the future that we will get him back.

"He is a very determined, stubborn man."