Tribute to man who died in Christmas Eve collision

The family of a "polite and friendly" man who died when he was struck by a car on Christmas Eve have paid tribute to him.

Father-of-four Simon Coombes, 55, was hit by a black Mini Cooper on Marine Drive in Southport at about 05:30 GMT and died at the scene.

Merseyside Police said the driver stopped after the collision and was assisting the crash investigation.

Paying tribute, his family described him as an avid Manchester City fan and keen walker, who enjoyed "catching the early morning sunshine around the Marine Lake and collecting any treasures he could find".

They added: "He was always polite and friendly to people around him.

"He'd lived all over - starting with Manchester where he was born [then] Bury, Plymouth and Southport, where he sadly passed away.

"Our thoughts are with you, our big brother Simon.

"Simon kept himself to himself and never wanted to bother people with his problems."

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the collision, which took place between the junctions of Marshside Road and Hesketh Road, to contact them.

Anyone with dashcam footage is also asked to get in touch.

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