A FURNITURE firm boss has spoken of his shock after his friend and colleague was knocked down and killed by a car.

Ernie Phillipson, the managing director, of Ipec Furniture Ltd, Lodge Mill, Victoria Street, Accrington, had known Tom Bury, 62, for 20 years.

They met through their work when Mr Bury, of Council Terrace, Darwen, was working for another firm. Then 12 years ago, Mr Phillipson hired him to work for Ipec as a furniture assembler.

He said: "Tom was not just a worker, he was a good friend. Everyone here is very shocked at the news.

"Some people knew already but I have had to tell some of the staff which has been very difficult.

"We will miss him here. He was a very genuine bloke who everyone got on with."

Mr Phillipson said the father-of-two had asked him he could cut his hours next year when his wife Maureen retired.

He said: "There was no problem over that, he had talked to me about it. We do what suits us here -- business doesn't dictate friendship."

Mr Bury, who had recently celebrated his ruby wedding anniversary, died of multiple injuries at the scene after being hit by a car outside the Black Horse pub, in Redearth Road, on Friday evening.

Two men, aged 18 and 20, were arrested and released on bail pending further inquiries.

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

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