POLICE are following a new line of enquiry to find a hit and run driver in Kilwinning.

A 51-year-old man was hospitalised with serious injuries after being struck by a blue Vauxhall Corsa in Bridgend at around 12.30am on Sunday, July 24.

He was treated at Crosshouse Hospital after reportedly suffering head injuries and multiple broken ribs and was later discharged.

After no new information was brought forward, Ayrshire Police Division issued a re-appeal to trace five young men walking behind the victim before he was struck by the car.

But no-one came forward in response to that appeal.

The Times understands that officers almost closed the case for good as a result.

However, police are now following a new line of enquiry in a bid to bring the rogue driver to justice.

Sergeant Ian Thornton of the Divisional Road Policing Unit for Ayrshire, said previously: “A joint investigation involving Road Policing and CID Officers is continuing into the circumstances of this collision.

“I’d like to thank the witnesses who have so far come forward.

“However, We know from witnesses and on checking local CCTV footage that a number of vehicles and people were crossing the Abbot Adams Bridge around the time of the incident.

“There is no doubt that more people saw this incident.

“I would appeal to those drivers and people on or near the bridge, in particular, five young men - in their late teens/early twenties - who were walking behind the man when he was struck - to come forward as a matter of urgency.

“I am sure they will have information that will assist officers with their enquiries.

“Information can be passed to the Divisional Road Policing Unit at Irvine via the police non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”