A SECOND person died yesterday following an alleged hit-and-run incident in Crumlin earlier this month.

Ernest Daniels, 86, died in hospital yesterday, a fortnight after the crash that also claimed the life of his 80-year-old wife Jean Alberta Daniels.

The couple were travelling along the B4251 shortly after 8pm on January 10, when their car was in a collision with another vehicle.

Mrs Daniels, who was a passenger, died at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital shortly after the crash. Mr Daniels was left in a critical condition.

A search of the area by dog handlers and the police helicopter was carried out.

Caerphilly county borough council also sent out workers to help shut down the road in both directions and it remained closed for several hours while scenes of crime officers examined the area and the damaged vehicles were recovered.

The collision occurred on a blind corner outside three cottages.

Martin Jewczuk, 50, of Newbridge, was walking his dog and saw the aftermath of the accident.

He said: "A red car was taken away on a lorry and there were police everywhere.

"The car was in a terrible state; it was unrecognisable."

Blaina councillor Des Hillman said: "This must be devastating for the family.

"Anything like this is felt across the community because it is a double tragedy for the area."

Gwent police are continuing their investigation and have appealed to anyone with information to call them on 01633 838111. Alternatively, witnesses can contact the road collision unit of Gwent police on 01633 643091.

* A 26-year-old man who was arrested at an address in Bargoed an hour after the crash on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene of a road traffic accident and theft of a vehicle was released on police bail.