Two friends left with life-changing injuries by a hit-and-run crash on the North Circular are appealing to the public to help bring the driver to justice.

Timothy St Jean, 45, needed to have his leg amputated and Wayne Sharpe, 46, faces months of treatment for his leg injuries, following a crash on the A406 in Redbridge.

The pair, who have been friends for more than 30 years, are offering a £10,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the driver responsible.

The accident happened after their car broke down on the Ilford Hill Flyover as they were driving home from a funeral on the evening on Tuesday, January 9.

As the pair were standing at the side of the road waiting for help, a silver BMW 330 Sport collided with a Vauxhall Vectra, sending the Vectra crashing into them.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The two friends with Mr Sharpe's daugther, Violette

Both men are being treated at hospitals in London.

Father-of-three Mr St Jean, from Barnet, said: “I think the driver needs to face themselves and come forward.

“I understand it’s shocking at first, but they must have heard about what happened. Me and Wayne nearly died - we did not survive by any small feat.”

Mr Sharpe added: “I am sure I will recover even though it will take a long time and my injuries are very serious, but for Tim this will affect him for the rest of his life.

“The reality is settling in, the reality of maybe not finding the driver. But I still believe someone knows what happened and with help we will find who did this.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Mr St Jean and Mr Sharpe have been friends for more than 30 years

The friends says if the driver of the BMW remains untraced, they will be awarded less money to fund their rehabilitation under Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) rules.

Father-of-one Mr Sharpe, of Barking, said: “Everything at the moment is a battle.

“I am planning to be discharged from hospital and move back home soon and I do not know if I will get support at home.

"It is daunting and because the driver is untraceable we are in this situation.

“I may be going home alone and I am frightened I might overexert myself in the early stages of my recovery."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

An image issued by police of a BMW similar to the one involved in the crash

Met Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash, saw the BMW - registration M33 ONH - in the area beforehand, or knows who was driving at the time, to speak to officers.

They would also like to hear from anyone who has dashcam footage of the incident.

Mr St Jean added: “I have been left with an injury that is going to be with me for the rest of my life. It is lucky I have got good mental fortitude and I have come to terms with this.

“I can lose a leg but I am still me - my children still have me and I have promised them I will still be able to play with them and do all of the things we did before.”

A 25-year-old man from Dagenham was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving on January 10, but was later released under investigation.

  • Anyone with information is asked to contact the Met witness appeal line on: 020 8597 4874 or local police on 101
  • A crowdfunding campaign set up by Mr St Jean's son, Isaiah, has already raised more than £5,000 towards physiotherapy costs. To donate, visit: gofundme.com/4zflvu8