Driver, 22, killed as cars race on esplanade

 

A DRIVER aged 22 died and his two passengers were injured when a seafront car race came to a tragic end.

 

The three were in a high-powered black Nissan 300SX which was racing another car on the wrong side of the road on Southsea seafront when it skidded and smashed side-on into a lamppost at 11pm last night.

 

Driver Robert Perfett, of Kings Road, Hayling Island, was taken to Queen Alexandra hospital but died this morning from head and chest injuries.

 

Firefighters spent an hour rescuing a 21-year-old passenger who was trapped in the back of the car. He suffered a broken ankle and face cuts.

 

The 31-year-old front seat passenger was taken to Queen Alexandra hospital suffering from broken ribs and a crushed lung. He is being treated in intensive care.

 

Both passengers are also from the Hayling Island area. Police said the driver of the other car drove away.

 

Sgt Dave Brown said: 'I can't believe anyone got out of the car at all. You wouldn't recognise it as a Nissan coupe.'

 

Paul Streton, who owns New World Wines in Palmerston Road, said: 'I was looking out of my window and I saw what I thought was a whirlwind.

 

'There was a gust of dust in the air and the traffic stopped. I could see the lamppost shaking. We went down to see the wreckage.'

 

Police are now using CCTV footage in their hunt for the other car.

 

Insp David Watkins said: 'One man was arrested last night and released on bail, but we are still searching for the driver of the other car.'

 

Witnesses should call Cosham traffic on 08450 454545.

 

17 August 2002

Inspired by The Fast & the Furious perhaps ?!

 

OK for street racing in a film, ppl have to remember not to do it for real, unless you don't like life !

Very sad

Did we know him?

 

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KEEP IT SIDEWAYS BABY!

Man that's bad.

Fookin 'ell, I went to southsea on saturday afternoon to look for the new sea life centre or whatever its called with the Mrs and for a cruise along the old seafront.

 

We saw a very badly smacked up Sierra Cosworth just before the seafront with the front end totally (and I mean Totally!) smacked up. Bunch of lads hanging around and talking to the Police on the roadside.

 

Ironically just came from Hayling Island just after a pub lunch, so we had the targas off and had a nice cruise in the glorious 30deg. sunshine.

 

 

Yeah FFS, my missis and two of the sproglets were on Southsea Esplanade on Saturday

 

Bloody idiot drivers - sorry dead or not, still stupid road racing in built up areas

 

 

Senna,

Mrs & myself went to Hayling Island on sat. as I mentioned. As we were eating we saw a black R33 zooming past the pub looked like yours?. I thought you dont exactly see these cars everyday and yours is the only one I'm aware off around this neck of the woods (even if you reside on the IoW?!?).

Was it you??.

 

BTW, Hayling island is TVR city, Mrs said she saw what looked like an 'older' person driving one. didn't see it myself.

 

[This message has been edited by rock_star (edited 19-08-2002).]