A MAN injured when he was hit by a car trying to evade a police pursuit at the weekend has died in hospital.

The 73-year-old was struck by an Audi A3 in East Reach, Taunton, on Friday night (November 6) in almost the same spot as a 16-year-old boy pillion passenger on an e-bike was killed last month when it collided with a stationary car.

A Wellington man was arrested after Friday’s chase and was appearing before magistrates in Taunton on Monday.

Jack Hawkings, aged 23, of Bramley Close, was initially charged with four offences, including causing serious injury from dangerous driving.

That charge was amended overnight to one of causing death by dangerous driving.

The vehicle in which Hawkings was travelling was being pursued by a marked police vehicle in the moments leading up to the collision, which happened at about 11.15 pm.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson said the pedestrian ‘sadly succumbed to his injuries’ on Sunday afternoon.

The spokesperson said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.

“They will be offered support from a specially-trained family liaison officer.

“The officers and staff involved with the collision are also being provided with appropriate welfare and support.

“As is procedure in incidents of this nature where somebody has sustained a serious injury or has died, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”

Hawkings, who was being held in custody, has also been charged with failing to stop for police and driving without insurance or a licence.

Two women, aged 21 and 22, who were arrested at the same time have been released on conditional bail.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision, and the moments leading up to it.

Anybody with any information who has not yet spoken with police is asked to call 101 and quote reference 5226360682.