STAR readers have expressed shock and sadness after a 21-year-old man died in a 'hit-and-run' in Moss Bank on Wednesday.

The man was found by police patrols lying in the road in Moss Bank Road, close to the Moss Bank pub, at about 12.30am.

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Investigations established the man had been in collision with a Blue Mazda hatchback car and the man.

The Mazda had been driven from the scene and was located by police.

Extensive police cordons were in place throughout Wednesday.

Police at the scene on Wednesday

Police at the scene on Wednesday

Officers have questioned a 51-year-old man from St Helens on suspicion of death by dangerous driving.

On Thursday, police confirmed that the man who died was aged 21 and from Haydock.

In reaction to the tragedy, readers have expressed sadness at the death on the Star's social media pages.

Jean Burns wrote: "So young he had his whole life ahead of him. R.I.P"

Beverley O'Brien said: "Heartbreaking 💔 x"

Meanwhile, Lorraine Carroll added: "Awful ! Same age as my lad, so sad 💙"

Ellen Jenkins wrote: "So so sad and premature such a young life R.I.P".

Paul McNulty said: "Poor lad , really feel for his family".

Lee Hughes added: "RIP young man. So sad".

Melanie Jackman wrote: "heartbreaking 😞RIP young man".

A police cordon at the scene on Wednesday

A police cordon at the scene on Wednesday

Sergeant Steve Smith from Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “If you were driving in the Washway Lane, Moss Bank Road and Scafell Road area at around 12.30am or were in the vicinity of the Moss Bank Hotel at this time and have any dashcam or CCTV footage, please review it and get in touch if you see anything that may assist our enquiries.

“Any information, however small it may seem, could prove vital as we seek to understand exactly what happened."

“Whether you choose to get information to us directly or anonymously, through Crimestoppers, any information you provide will be acted upon.”

  • Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call our Matrix Roads Policing Unit on 0151 777 5747, email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter quoting reference 22000025548. People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information .