A POWERFUL image of a badly injured motorcyclist lying in his hospital bed was issued by police this week.

It is a rare occurrence for such a photograph to be sent to the media but officers clearly feel that it was necessary in order to bring witnesses forward with information.

Sent with the blessing of the injured man’s wife, she obviously feels the same way, despite the hurt and pain just looking at her husband in his current condition will cause.

Alongside this, the investigating officer uses very emotive language in making a direct appeal to the community as well as the driver responsible to talk to him about what happened last weekend in Lechlade.

He praises the community for its response and adds that they are shocked that someone could leave a fellow human being lying helplessly injured in the road, before fleeing the scene at speed.

The photograph and wording of the appeal send a very strong and uncomplicated message - do the right thing and hand yourself in.

Whether the driver’s conscience will be pricked remains to be seen but there are people out there who will know the person responsible and may be moved to act.

Thankfully, the motorcyclist is now in a stable condition in hospital but has suffered serious injuries including a collapsed lung and multiple fractures.
If you have any information call police on 101.