Pensioner killed by his own car after thief repeatedly drove over him as he blocked path
By
Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 5:03 PM on 01st December 2008
Walter Bollen was killed when he was run over by his own car.
A pensioner mown down and killed by his own car as he tried to stop it being stolen battled 'like a trooper' to fight off the thieves, eye witnesses said yesterday.
Walter Bollen, 76, tried to jump back into his beloved Skoda Octavia after it was snatched outside his house.
But the fearless OAP was thrown to the ground and run over at least twice by the crooks.
Friends claim the robbers pounced after Walter got out of the car to unlock the gate of the car park in his estate at 11.30pm on Saturday night.
He left his engine running and was entering the pin code into the security system when one or more thieves 'came out of nowhere' and jumped into the front seats.
Mr Bollen, suffered massive internal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The silver Skoda hatchback was later found abandoned nearby.
Neighbour Sam Graham, 26, said: 'He had got out of his car to enter a pin number into the car parking gate and had left his door open and the engine running.
'A man got into the driver's seat and tried to drive off. The victim then tried to get into the passenger side to try to stop him.
'He must have got pushed out and then run over.'
Miss Graham, who had known Walter for many months, said two residents came out to help - but found his lifeless body on the road.
Flowers left at the scene in Horfield, Bristol, where a pensioner Walter Bollen died after a car thief ran him over with his own car
Witness say Mr Bollen had only got out of his car for a second to unlock his gate when a lad had jumped into the driver's seat
She said: 'Two ladies heard a scream and came out of their houses and tried to help, but it was too late.
'I feel sick inside just thinking about this and the effect it will have on this man's family.'
Police in Bristol launched a murder inquiry after he was pronounced dead on the Poet's Estate in the Horfield area of the city, where Walter had lived for two years.
Friends and neighbours said they are still struggling to come to terms with Walter's death.
Emma Fowler, 40, a neighbour at his former address at Severn Beach near Bristol, said: 'I am totally stunned. Walter was such a wonderful, kind and gentle man.
'It's typical of him to try and stop someone from committing a crime. He always had his heart very much within the community and was a real trooper.
Friends and neighbours said they are still struggling to come to terms with Walter's death
'He lived to dance, and only moved away from this area to be closer to the friends he made, while taking part in his ballroom dancing.' Dozens of floral tributes have since been laid near the murder scene.
One read: 'Dear Walter, you were so brave. I'm sorry I couldn't do more but hope you know you weren't alone. Rest in peace.'
Another said: 'I don't know you but you'll be in my heart and thoughts for ever.'
Police believe Walter lived alone and that his next of kin are from the north of England. Officers are now making arrangements for a formal identification.
A spokesman said a forensic post mortem examination has now taken place and the vehicle is also being swept for clues.
Door-to-door enquiries are also being conducted in the local vicinity, while extra officers have been drafted in on the beat.
Emma Fowler, 40, a neighbour at his former address at Severn Beach near Bristol, said: 'I am totally stunned. Walter was such a wonderful, kind and gentle man
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Kelvey, who is leading the investigation, said: 'We will be putting together the data from the forensic post mortem and the examination of the car to see if this gives us a more detailed picture of exactly what happened, as well as hopefully providing some clues to the identity of the person or persons responsible.
'The intricate nature of these forensic tests are such that they are likely to take some considerable time to complete.
'In the meantime, I would again urge anyone with any information about this incident to come forward.
'We have had tremendous co-operation from local residents since this incident and I would like to thank them for their continued support.
'I want to appeal now for further support in finding whoever was responsible for the death of this elderly man.'
He added: 'This is a tragic and unnecessary death, and we are determined to do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice as quickly as possible.'
The driver of the car was said to be a male in his early 20s with slim build and brown spiked hair.
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The British public vote for parties that support these scum being allowed back on the streets time & again. When is the British public going to take responsibility for what is happening in Britain?? Nothing will alter under Cameron in 2010, & things will only get worse. The criminal's human rights will still take precedence over the victim's!
Bill, Northumberland. Calling them pondlife is an insult to the fishes.
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all for the sake of a car. Very tragic.
I would have let them take it, it's only a bit of metal, easy enough to say in hindsight I know but I always tell my children anyone who wants to steal anything from you let them have it your life is more precious than belongings.
- jackie, UK, Surrey, 01/12/2008 17:35