A Southall resident critically injured in a hit-and-run car crash has been denied a blood transfusion because he is a Jehovah's Witness.

John Edwards, 58, could die but his wife insists he would not want the life-saving operation because it is against their religion.

Mrs Sheila Edwards, 61, said her husband had signed a form stating that in the event of an accident he would not want doctors to give him a blood transfusion, even if it would save his life.

The couple's sons Jonathan and Tom do not their share their parents' faith.

Mr Edwards was knocked down in the early hours of Wednesday morning at the junction of Southall Broadway and Lady Margaret Road and taken to Ealing Hospital.

The driver of the silver Mercedes, a man in his 20s, fled the scene but was later traced and arrested.

There are about 70,000 Jehovah's Witnesses in Britain and more than six million worldwide.