A WIFE and family today paid tribute to the fun-loving grandad who was knocked down and killed as he left the pub after a teatime drink.

Tom Bury, 62, of Council Terrace, Darwen, died outside the Black Horse pub, Redearth Road.

The furniture assembler and his wife Maureen had recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and liked to go for a drink after he finished work at Ipec Furniture Ltd, Victoria Street, Accrington.

But he went to the pub on his own on Friday because Maureen was unwell. He died of multiple injuries at around 7pm.

Two men aged 18 and 20 were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but have now been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Mr Bury's family released a picture of him and Maureen celebrating their Ruby wedding anniversary.

In a statement they said: "He was a hard-working man who lived and loved life to the full.

"He had so many friends, he was a joy to be around, always making people happy.

"No words can express how much he will be missed by family and friends having been taken away from us so tragically."

Mr Bury, who was a Manchester United fan and also enjoyed playing snooker, was looking forward to reducing his hours to spend more time with Maureen, who retires next April.

As well as his wife, Mr Bury also leaves his daughters Diane and Angela, and grandchildren Elliott, 12, and Lewis, four.

After the incident Redearth Road was closed from its junction with Hardman Way to Sough Road while accident investigators worked at the scene.

Firefighters were called by police to recover an item of clothing thought to belong to Mr Bury from a nearby roof.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the incident, or who saw a black Vauxhall Corsa, registration PF05 OJR, or a burgandy Citroen Saxo, registration W811 GKU, in the Darwen area prior to, or immediately after the incident.

The cars were seen in Bridge Street and then Redearth Road. Both stopped briefly after incident, then were driven away.

Police said the black Corsa then returned to the scene.

Sgt Keith Jackson, from the road policing unit at Accrington, said: "We have had several witnesses come forward, but we would like to hear from anyone else who saw the incident or the way the two vehicles were being driven prior to, or immediately after the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the road policing unit on 01254 51212.