Bailey Chadwick: One month on, the search for answers continues

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A month ago today, Bailey Chadwick was killed in a hit-and-run near Pateley Bridge. 

The death of the 19-year-old who was struck by a vehicle on the B6265 Lupton Bank between Pateley Bridge and Glasshouses in the early hours of Sunday, July 20, has devastated Nidderdale.

But nobody has been charged and the search for answers continues.

Bailey, described by colleagues at The Royal Oak on Bridgehousegate as a “smiley, beautiful young man”, walked home on the fateful night after working at the pub and spending time with friends.

North Yorkshire Police, which is still investigating the incident, believes Bailey was hit when crossing the road sometime between 1.44am and 3.10am.

The driver then fled the scene. 

Bailey’s mother and stepfather issued an emotional public appeal at a police press conference on July 23, urging the driver to “do the right thing” and come forward.

Detective inspector Jill Cowling, of North Yorkshire Police’s major collision investigation team, appealed to the motorist: 

Police officers arrested a 24-year-old man late the following evening (July 24) on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The man, who has not been identified, was released on bail on July 26 and banned from entering North Yorkshire.

Just three days later, police made a second arrest in connection with the case.

A woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice a few days later, but was released under investigation on July 31.

On August 5, police released CCTV images of two cars officers were trying to trace.

The force said at the time there was “no indication that the two vehicles have been involved in the collision” but believed the drivers may have “seen something of relevance” on the night of Bailey's death.

The drivers were located the following day and police said they were helping with the investigation.

No public updates have followed. 

When the Stray Ferret contacted North Yorkshire Police yesterday (August 19) for an update, a spokesperson directed us to the force's previous statements.

Local community mourns

As the investigation continues, Pateley Bridge continues to mourn.

The impact of Bailey's death was palpable when the Stray Ferret visited the town the aftermath. 

A devoted Sheffield Wednesday fan, the club's flag was the centrepiece of a shrine to Bailey put up on the side of the B6265. It was filled with cards, flowers and cans of beer in the days following. 

Bailey’s funeral was held at St Cuthbert’s Church in Pateley Bridge on August 8, days before he was due to travel to Thailand. Mourners were invited to raise a glass to Bailey at the town’s memorial hall afterwards and wear anything with an owl it – the Sheffield Wednesday mascot.

His case has attracted local and national media attention, and social media users have shared his story widely in the hope of finding answers.

A friend of Bailey, who did not wish to be named in our story, said on social media Bailey’s death had left a “deafening silence”.

She, along with many other members of the public, has repeatedly shared an appeal for information, dashcam footage or witness accounts. 

The appeal describes Bailey has a “greatly-loved part of the community”, and urges anyone who may be able to assist with the investigation to “do the right”. 

North Yorkshire Police has urged the public not to speculate on the incident, warning that to do so "may prejudice any potential future court proceedings”.

To pass information to the police, you can email the force’s major collision investigation team at mcit@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12250133851.

You can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make an online report. Again, quote reference number 12250133851.