THE family of an 84-year-old man who was killed after being hit by a car outside Warrington Hospital have paid tribute to a great-granddad who 'lived life to the full'.

Francis Melia, from Orford, was due to an attend a hospital appointment when he was involved in a collision with a white BMW car on Lovely Lane shortly before 1.45pm on Wednesday, February 20.

He was rushed to Aintree Hospital after suffering serious head injuries, but died a week later on Wednesday, February 27.

Now Francis' family have paid tribute to the pensioner, a great-granddad-of-six who had been married a year short of six decades - and who will 'leave a gaping hole in their hearts'.

Daughter Sarah Anders said: "Dad was an active and independent 84-year-old man who lived life to the full.

"He leaves behind a wife of 59 years, three daughters, five granddaughters, a grandson and six great-grandchildren, as well as a gaping hole in our hearts.

"He was taken from us so suddenly and unexpectedly and he is sadly missed by us all."

Police have also renewed their appeal for witnesses of the collision to come forward.

The motorist stopped at the scene following the accident, but officers wish to speak to five people who got off the number 16 bus outside the hospital moments before the incident.

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Sarah added: "Dad was on his way to the hospital to attend an appointment.

"He got off a bus outside Houghtons Funeral Directors before attempting to cross the road.

"Were you walking on Lovely Lane, driving on that road or crossing it or simply in the area around the time that the collision occurred?

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"If you can help with any information or dashcam footage at all regarding dad’s last steps or the collision itself it will be greatly appreciated."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML 327414, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.