Prayers are pouring in for the family of a Christian man who lost his life after being hit by a car while assisting an unconscious woman.
According to South Yorkshire police, Christian Marriott was out on a walk with his wife and two young sons when he stopped to help an unconscious woman lying on the street in the Burngreave area of Sheffield, and a car hit a group of people, including him.
"Numerous" people were also injured in the incident, with one of them in a serious condition and being treated in hospital. The woman Marriott was helping remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition, police said.
Authorities have arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of murder and a 55-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.
"This is an utterly heart-breaking case in which a Good Samaritan, who had stepped in to help a stranger in their time of need, has lost his life," Senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Andrew Knowles said.
"Chris leaves behind a loving family, including his devastated wife and two young sons. We are absolutely determined to secure justice for Chris and his loved ones following this horrific tragedy.
"Increased patrols will continue in the area in the coming days, and local people will continue to see officers carrying out enquiries, including going house-to-house to gather witness statements."
Marriott was a member of City Church Sheffield and worked in the administrative team of a conference organised by the Christian charity Jubilee Plus for several years. More recently, he worked at Community Money Advice helping people out of debt.
In a statement, Jubilee Plus shared the news of Marriott’s tragic death and urged people to pray for his family at this time of grief.
It read: “South Yorkshire Police and the media have hailed Chris as 'a good Samaritan' for stepping in to help someone in need. This was very much in keeping with how Chris lived his life. Yesterday he stopped to help an unconscious woman lying in the street and as he was providing first aid, a car collided with Chris, the woman and others. Police have started a murder investigation and two men have been arrested and remain in custody.
“Chris died doing what so many will remember him for – helping others. Our thoughts and prayers are obviously with his wife, and their two young sons. This is an unbelievably awful situation and we are heartbroken for the family. Please pray for them, for Chris’s wider family and friends, and for City Church Sheffield as they try to process this loss. May they all know God’s comfort and grace as they grieve and remember.”
Det Ch Insp Knowles added: "There are people in that community who hold information which is vital to our investigation and have not yet given statements.
"I need those people with information to do the right thing."