THE family of a grandfather who died after he was hit by a car have described the accident as a ‘cruel day’ for both themselves and the driver.

An inquest at Preston Coroners Court heard Denis Whittaker attempted to cross the road at the junction of Preston New Road and Barbara Castle Way, Blackburn, when he was hit by a blue BMW in the middle of the street shortly before 10am on January 25, 2016.

The 82-year-old, from Blackburn, attempted to cross two lanes between the Capita building and the central reservation while traffic lights were green, the inquest heard.

The driver, Zubair Iqbal, of Notre Dame Gardens, Blackburn, was travelling towards Montague Street on his way to work when the car hit Mr Whittaker.

Coroner Richard Newman recorded a conclusion that Mr Whittaker had died from a road traffic collision.

Two years on from the accident Mr Whittaker’s family have spoken. Son-in-law Christopher Padgett said: “It has been a while since the accident took place and it is nice to draw a line under it now. It was a cruel day for everybody concerned.

“There are no winners in this. We have never wanted blood from Mr Iqbal. It was just an accident.”

Mr Iqbal, 27, was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

He was due to stand trial at Crown Court but the case was dropped after forensic experts failed to agree on what speed he was driving at the point of impact or whether his car was travelling above the 30mph speed limit.

Mr Padgett added: “Denis was a loveable 82-year-old, healthy man who wanted to please his daughter and grandchildren.

“He would do anything for anybody and on that day he was going to buy pies for himself and his friend.”

Mr Newman said he would be investigating the ‘seriousness’ of incidents that occur at the junction and examine whether traffic-calming measures should be introduced.

The inquest heard that Mr Whitaker landed on the roof before sliding down the side of the car when it came to a stop a few yards down the road.

Witnesses rushed to help Mr Whittaker and minutes later paramedics arrived.

The pensioner, who had a broken pelvis, fractures to his ribcage and injuries to his head, brain and spine was taken to Royal Preston Hospital.

But the former painter and decorator died in hospital 16 days later after developing an infection in his lungs.

Mr Newman added: “Mr Whittaker was struck by a vehicle whilst attempting to cross the A6078 Barbara Castle Way.

“He did so against the light sequence and sustained catastrophic injuries.

“He was transported to Royal Preston Hospital and despite extensive health intervention he succumbed to complications of his injuries on February 9.”