A public-spirited Bradford businessman, who ignored his personal safety to snare a killer hit and run driver, has been commended by West Yorkshire’s Chief Constable.

Plucky Imran Hussain set off in pursuit in his car after seeing another car making off from the scene with its lights off.

Pedestrian Andrew Simpson, 39, died from his injuries after he was struck by a Renault Megane as he crossed Great Horton Road, Bradford, while on his way home from a night out.

The car driver, Anees Asghar, who had been to a shisha bar in Bradford, was travelling at more than 60mph in a 30mph limit when he hit textile worker Mr Simpson. He then switched off his lights and drove off.

Asghar, 25, of Gibraltar Road, Halifax, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and causing death by driving while uninsured and was jailed for two years at Leeds Crown Court last August. He was given a further six years for stabbing a schoolboy with a screwdriver while on bail for the driving death.

The court was told that Asghar had been persuaded to return to the scene by Mr Hussain.

Chief Constable Mark Gilmore awarded a commendation to Mr Hussain “in recognition of your selfless actions in apprehending the driver responsible for causing the death of a local resident in a road traffic collision”.

It was revealed at an awards ceremony how, in the early hours of October 1, 2011, as members of the public went to help Mr Simpson, Mr Hussain, who had heard the collision, saw the Renault make off towards Horton Bank Top and decided to follow it.

Mr Hussain found the car three miles away as it was being abandoned by three men.

In his commendation, Mr Gilmore said: “With no regard for his personal safety, Mr Hussain challenged the males and told them that they must return to the scene of the collision and take responsibility for what they had done.

“Mr Hussain followed them back to the scene and was present when the driver was arrested. The driver was convicted of several offences.

“The actions of Mr Hussain directly led to the early arrest of the offending driver and supported the securing and preserving of evidence that led to the offender being brought to justice.”

Also honoured were two members of the public who helped police tackle two robbery suspects during a raid at Burley-in-Wharfedale Post Office last year.

Marcus McLeod rugby tackled one suspect armed with a sledgehammer. The other man gave chase and was struck by the getaway car, suffering minor injuries.

Ali Kurnaz, owner of the Meze Restaurant in Brighouse was commended for giving chase when two suspects ripped a handbag from the arm of a 79-year-old woman in the doorway of the restaurant. Mr Kurnaz found one of the suspects hiding and frogmarched him back to police.