Police were called to Pole Lane in Darwen at around 6pm on Saturday after it was reported a Renault Clio had hit a pedestrian.

Emergency services attended and Sion Chaisty, 44, was found with serious head, chest, abdomen and leg injuries.

He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital but died on Sunday.

Mr Chaisty’s family have now paid tribute to their loving son, brother and uncle known affectionately as ‘Mr Chips’.

A statement read: “Goodnight Mr Chips. A very good and loyal friend of many whose lives he infringed.

“He was the most thoughtful and compassionate family member, and whose generosity and help were not just of the highest standard but always above and beyond, and a skill he was a natural at in every way.

“Now you are up amongst the stars and left a black hole in our universe.

“When we look up at the skies we will always remember your times shared on many an occasion when you walked amongst us.

"Farewell Mr Chips, you are in our hearts till the end of time.”

The driver of the Renault, a 24-year-old man from Blackburn, was initially arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink driving.

He was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The man has been released under investigation.

Police are appealing for information and urging any witnesses to come forward.

Sgt Andrew Hemingway, of police tactical operations, said: “These are very sad and tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with Mr Chaisty’s family at this time.

“Our investigation is very much ongoing and I would ask anyone who can assist our enquiries to get in touch.

“We would continue to appeal to anyone with information, or who saw what the collision, to come forward.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or email 4064@lancashire.police.uk quoting log 1214 of June 26.