Hunt for man in connection with fatal hit-and-run

Julia Bryson
BBC News, Yorkshire
SYP CCTV image of a balding, dark-haired man in a black coat. He is pictured looking down, and has a moustache and a bushy black beard. SYP
Police want to speak to Kielan Whinfrey in connection with the incident

Police have named a man they want to speak to in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Sheffield last year.

South Yorkshire Police are appealing to find Kielan Whinfrey, 34, who is is wanted in connection to the collision, with the force suggesting he is "actively evading" police.

Damian Wojtulewicz, 40, was killed when a black Volkswagen Golf struck him on Gleadless Road at approximately 20:30 BST on 24 October 2024.

The driver fled the scene towards the S12 Intake, Normanton Hill area, but police maintain he would not have been able to travel far given the car's "extensive damage". However the vehicle has not yet been found.

The case recently featured on Crimewatch, with the search for both the damaged vehicle and Whinfrey extended across the UK.

"Due to the cars damage, we know it wouldn't have been able to travel far and we do believe it still to be in the South Yorkshire area, unless it has been moved in transit," said John Taylor, sergeant of the Serious Collisions Unit

"The vehicle sustained extensive damage to its front end."

In an appeal to the public, he said: "I am urging you to be vigilant. If you have seen a damaged vehicle matching the description anywhere, please get in touch.

Oli Constable/BBC A misty road in Sheffield with shops in the background and a tram with its lights on turning at a junction.Oli Constable/BBC
The damaged vehicle was driven away from the scene folllowing the collision on 24 October, which killed Mr Wojtulewicz

Police have advised anyone who sees Whinfrey not to approach him and to call 999.

Sgt Taylor said: "We are committed to finding the person responsible for killing Damian and ensuring justice for him and his family is served."

"A man has died; his family and friends have lost their loved one. We will not stop until we find those responsible.

"If you have any information about those involved, please contact us or share information anonymously via Crimestoppers."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North

Related internet links