Benedictine abbot hurt in Rome hit and run

Father Laurence O'Keefe OSB, Abbott of St Augustine's Abbey in Ramsgate, is recovering in hospital after being knocked down by one or more motorcyclists in Rome on Tuesday afternoon. Fr Laurence, 62, was hit as he was crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing in the Testaccio area. Witnesses say two bikes appeared "as if from nowhere" at high speed and Fr Laurence was thrown in to the air. Police believe the bikes were stolen. He was rushed to San Camillo hospital where he was treated for a head injury, broken rubs, a broken leg and abrasions. A spokesman from Fr Laurence's community in Ramsgate said he had serious injuries but was able to chat with people and it was hoped he would make a good recovery.