A suspect is in police custody following a hit-and-run collision in which a motorcycle rider was killed.

Ra-Che Williams, 23, died after the incident on Knapton Estate Road in Smith’s yesterday morning. A car also involved in the crash left the scene immediately after and police launched an appeal to track down the driver.

This afternoon police confirmed that the driver of the car involved in the fatal crash had been arrested.

Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell said on Saturday: “Shortly after 10.10am yesterday morning police responded to a collision on Knapton Hill. We have confirmed that it was a two-vehicle collision. However, one of the vehicles had left the scene prior to our arrival.

“The injured party was Mr Ra-Che Williams. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival at the hospital yesterday.

“I am pleased to say today that we have now identified the other vehicle involved in that collision. That vehicle has been impounded and is being forensically examined right now.

“We have identified the driver and potential passenger of that vehicle and the driver is now in custody assisting us with inquiries.”

Chief Inspector Cardwell added that the suspect was tracked down following a tip-off from area residents.

He said: “After being involved in the collision it fled to a nearby neighbourhood where it could lay low. The neighbourhood was a Neighbourhood Watch neighbourhood and it caught the attention of the area residents.

“The area residents engaged the people in the vehicle and weren’t satisfied that they were up to any good. They did note the damage on the vehicle, they called the police and we were able to follow up on that and secure the vehicle and secure the driver. Kudos to the area residents that helped us.

“We’re in a partnership with the community – we can’t police it by ourselves.”

Chief Inspector Cardwell denied that there was a “trend” in hit and runs but acknowledged that “we are seeing some really bad decisions made by a lot of people”.

“When you’re involved in a collision you have to stop. You have to assist injured parties and you have to report it to the police.”