A HERO has spoken about the “horrific” moment he tried to comfort a dying hit-and-run victim.

Paul Donoghue, of South Woodford, was one of the first on the scene of the crash in Woodford Road on Sunday.

He found the 78-year-old man with serious injuries, and despite the efforts of the hero, paramedics and police, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Donoghue said: “I heard a bang like two lorries colliding and went straight out there.

“I believe his arms and legs were broken. I didn’t know any first aid but I held his head because there was a lot of blood.

“He was looking at me. About a minute later his breathing stopped. An off-duty doctor came but we both knew he had gone. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Despite the awful nature of the victim’s injuries, Mr Donoghue said he was glad to have been able to comfort him in his last moments.

The 37-year-old said: “It was horrific and not something I want to experience again. At the same time, I gave him a little bit of comfort.

“I told him everything’s going to be ok and the ambulance was on its way. I could see his eyes were moving and registering what I said.

“I was the last person he saw alive.

“I hope they catch the person responsible.”

Mr Donoghue laid flowers at the scene on Monday.

The car, a white Volkswagen Golf, was allegedly dumped in a nearby street.

Officers from The Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are investigating. There have been no arrests.

Next-of-kin have been informed.

Witnesses should call police on 0208 597 4874.