Dundee doorman fought to save man hit by car

TRAGEDY: 17-year-old in custody after early morning incident in city centre

A nightclub bouncer has told of the moment he tried in vain to save the life of a man hit by a car in Dundee city centre.

James Cosgrove had been working as a doorman at popular nightspot Club Tropicana when a man was struck by a vehicle nearby at around 1.20 yesterday morning.

He desperately tried to save the 33-year-old victim, who later died from head injuries sustained in the collision in Argyllgait, just off the West Port roundabout.

No further details about the victim have been released. Officers said a 17-year-old is in custody.

James, who was standing outside the club, located just metres from where the accident took place, said he heard a loud bang but did not immediately realise what had happened.

The 37-year-old, who is trained in first-aid and has previously volunteered for the Scottish Ambulance Service as a paramedic, said: “By the time I got to the scene of the accident, I did think the worst. I thought he was dead already.

“He looked to be very seriously injured and was losing a lot of blood.

“I did what I could until the police and ambulance service arrived. I’m devastated to hear he has died.

“Although he was badly hurt, I thought there was a chance he’d pull through.”

James added that, despite it being the early hours of Monday morning, there were many people around due to the annual Dundee Dance Event festival.

He said: “There were a lot of drunk people around who’d just come out the clubs and I had to get them out the way.

“People were frightened and shocked. I didn’t see what happened but I think quite a few of them did.

“I’d like to speak to the family but of course I don’t want to cause more upset. I’m so gutted.” Police officers are appealing for any eyewitnesses to get in touch.

A spokesman said: “Police Scotland can confirm that a 33-year-old man who suffered head injuries after a road traffic collision in Argyllgait/south Ward Road, Dundee, in the early hours of Monday has sadly died.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

The spokesman added: “A 17-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident shortly after it took place, and remains in custody.

“There were a large number of persons in the area at the time of the incident, and we would ask anyone who saw this incident take place to please contact us, either by calling 101, or speaking to any police officer.”

Argyllgait was closed between the Westport roundabout and North Lindsay Street while police investigated but later reopened.

James Cosgrove is trained in first aid and did what he could until the emergency services arrived but the man’s injuries were too severe and he passed away.