Witness plea after rugby star’s death
POLICE investigating the death of former Widnes Vikings rugby player Liam Walsh have released details of potential witnesses they are keen to trace.
Liam, 23, died following a collision involving a red Vauxhall Corsa while he was travelling on foot at the A5080 Cronton Road near the junction with College Fields.
The incident was reported to the police at around 11.52pm on Saturday, September 18.
Liam suffered serious injuries and was taken to Whiston Hospital but died a short time later.
Cheshire Police said the driver of the car was uninjured.
Officers are keen for anyone with any information or video footage to come forward.
Investigators are particularly keen to hear from the occupants of vehicles filmed on CCTV in the area around the time of the incident.
The first was a panel van shaped vehicle, possibly a taxi, which passed the Corsa shortly before the collision occurred.
Officers also want to hear from the occupants of a dark saloon car and a London style cab, which were travelling towards Widnes on Cronton Road a short time before the collision.
Finally the investigation team is keen to identify two pedestrians, a man and a woman, who were seen walking along Cronton Road in the moments before.
The pair entered a small white car near the entrance of Cronton College and set off towards Merseyside.
Police Constable Ellie Wier, of Cheshire Police ’s Serious and Complex Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Liam’s family have been left absolutely devastated as a result of this incident and we are now committed to doing everything that we can to establish exactly what took place.
“As part of our ongoing enquiries we are keen to hear from the occupants of the vehicles mentioned above as we believe they may hold vital information.
“Even if you didn’t witness the collision, if you believe that you may be the occupants of one of these vehicles please get in touch.”
A tribute issued by Liam’s family following his death described him as “considerate” and “caring” and someone who “touched the hearts and enriched the lives of everyone that knew him”.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101, or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tua quoting IML 1088396 .