Police are hunting for a man they want to speak to in connection with a hit and run which left Russell Brand’s mum with a broken neck.
Barbara Brand was being driven in an Audi A8 when it was involved in a crash with a Vauxhall Astra in Brentwood in April 26 last year.
Close - Brand and Barbara. Picture: PA
The 72-year-old grandmother suffered a broken neck and fractures to her back, ribs, sternum and ankle. She also had serious internal injuries that required surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma for several days.
The occupant of the Astra left the scene before emergency services arrived.
Police have now said they want to speak Flavio Tortore, 30, about the horrific crash that also left the driver, in his 40s, with serious injuries.
In a statement released through Essex Police, Mrs Brand said: “I am very grateful to the emergency services for everything they have been doing - to the police for making every effort to track down the other driver, and to the NHS for the wonderful care.
“As time goes on I realise recovering from my injuries and trauma is a slower process than I first anticipated, but with the help of my family and friends I am doing my best to put this all behind me.”
In the days after the crash Russell Brand wrote a moving tribute to the NHS for the care his mum had received.
A police spokesman said: “We have been progressing our investigation and are now in a position to release a photo of a man we want to speak to in connection with the crash. Flavio Tortore, 30, is last known to have been living in Romford and has links to Ilford.”
Anyone who knows of his whereabouts is asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101, or email CollisionAppeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.
A 27-year-old man who was previously arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving has been released without charge.
A 21-year-old man from Hornchurch was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Wanted - Flavio Tortore, 30
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