Manhole worker killed in hit-and-run smash

A worker in a manhole was killed today by a suspected drink-driver in a hit-and-run accident.

The victim, believed to be a sub-contractor for Thames Water in his mid-forties, was struck by a Toyota Corolla mini-cab at about 4.45am in east London.

Shortly afterwards a 33-year-old driver was arrested nearby in Ham Park Road, Stratford, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol.

A woman, believed to be his partner, was also held on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and causing death by dangerous driving.

Both suspects were in custody today. Police were trying to establish who was driving the car at the time of the accident in Upton Lane, Upton Park.

Naseem Mahmood, 46, witnessed the immediate aftermath of the collision. She said: "I heard someone frantically screaming down the phone to emergency services saying, 'friend dead, friend dead' at 4.45am. His English wasn't very good but he was clearly very distressed as was the third workman who was at the scene.

"The paramedics turned up minutes later and tried to resuscitate him but it was quite clear that the poor man had died straight away.

"After 10 minutes six police cars turned up. I then saw the other workman huddled up sobbing on the pavement round the corner.

"It looked like the car had whizzed around the corner far too fast and smashed right into the man as well as the side of a parked car. It is just horrific."

Sumeyya Maljee, 29, also heard the screams from her home. She said: "The man was on the road laying cones out before he was hit.

"When paramedics got there they stripped him to his underpants. His body wasn't damaged but his head had obviously been badly hit."

A Scotland Yard spokesman said they were awaiting formal identification of the man. The Health and Safety Executive is also expected to investigate.