Hogmanay death driver was a police officer

Hogmanay death driver was a police officer

By Cordelia O'Neill, PA

Wednesday, 5 January 2011

The driver of a car that knocked down and killed a pedestrian hours after a Hogmanay street party was a police officer.

Lothian and Borders Police confirmed an off-duty officer was behind the wheel of the car that hit Martin Douglas in the early hours of New Year's Day in Edinburgh.

The 41 year-old, from Hay Gardens, was crossing Union Place, near the Playhouse Theatre, at around 4.20am on January 1 when he was hit by a black Toyota.

He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he died a short time later.

Police said the car initially continued on its journey before returning to the scene.

A spokesman said the driver had been questioned by police but no arrest had been made.

They were unable to confirm whether the officer had been suspended from duty.

Mr Douglas's father, Lewis Douglas, said the family were devastated by his death.

The 68-year-old told the Daily Record newspaper: "Martin was thrown on to the car's bonnet and then its roof.

"He suffered terrible injuries. We would like the police to give us some answers."

The newspaper said Mr Douglas had four children with his partner Lisa.