REGULARS at the pub where a hit-and-run victim worked have revealed how shock has turned to hate for the driver involved.

Shaun Metcalfe, 34, was returning home from a night out at the Hare and Hounds, in Oswaldtwistle, at the weekend when he was killed in an accident.

The driver stopped and put the vehicle into reverse as if returning to help - but then left the area.

Now Shaun's friends have said if the driver doesn't turn himself in to police, the mood in the Blackburn Road pub would continue to turn from shock to hatred for the mystery motorist.

Police investigating the crime have since revealed a new witness has come forward, confirming the car that hit Shaun was red. Now they hope forensic tests could prove what type of car it was and track down the owner.

Pub regular Phil Pratt, 27, of Cardigan Road, knew Shaun for two years. He said: "Shaun was sound as a pound and he wouldn't have hurt anybody. Everyone just wants that driver to come forward."

Shaun's friends say that nobody will be able to rest until the motorist is brought to justice.

Ian Harrison, of Blackburn Road, had been a drinking pal of Shaun's since he was 18. More recently Shaun had been working behind the bar .

Mr Harrison said: "He was one of the nicest lads you could ever meet. Everybody is gutted.

"At first everyone was shocked. Now I wouldn't say it is getting nasty but people are wondering why the driver didn't turn themselves in. Have they got something to hide?

"People just want to know the truth for the sake of his family."

Shaun, of Ruskin Avenue, popped into the pub most days for a game of darts or pool, even when he wasn't working as a wood sprayer at Baron Mercers, in William Street, Accrington.

Sue Korab, barmaid at the pub, said: "I never once saw him angry or fall out with anyone, even when he was drinking.

"He was usually the one that got everybody home at night and he was forever walking people home."

Clarry Holmes, landlord of the pub, said: "We are all very close people around here. Everybody is still talking about it, and it's been like a morgue in here.

Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell of Blackburn Police said inquiries were continuing. He said: "We have had a good response from the publicity and quite a number of calls, which we are working through.

"But we would still urge people to come forward."

Call the police on 01254 51212.