TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Accrington man who died after stepping into the path of a car while crossing Eastgate on Saturday.
Police say John Finnigan, 58, of Willow Brook, Accrington, was trying to cross the road at around 10.40pm.
He hesitated when he saw a red Toyota approaching but then stepped out into the path of the car and suffered fatal head injuries.
Police believe Mr Finnigan had been drinking heavily and the speed of the car was not a factor.
Mr Finnigan, who was divorced and lived alone, had a son Kevin, who lives in Bedford. At the time of his death he was not working, but he had previously been a machinist for an engineering company.
Originally from near Glasgow in Scotland, Mr Finnigan had lived in Hyndburn for around 25 years and had two brothers Mike, 62, and Charles, 66.
Mike said: "He spent some time living in Derby but he came back to the area because of the friendliness of Accrington people.
"He was a very warm person and enjoyed playing snooker and putting the odd bet on the horses. He was very popular in the area and was an active member of the Brooks and Canine Clubs. You couldn't meet a nicer man."
Maggie Macmillan, of the Brooks Club, said: "John will be sadly missed in here. He had a lot of friends and we are all very sad at what has happened.
"He often came in and played a game of snooker or cards. Everyone was in shock when they heard about it."
Bob Day, steward of the Canine Club, said: "It's tragic what has happened.
"John was in here before the accident and he would have left at around 9.15pm.
"He was a nice man who was very quiet and kept himself to himself.
"He had been coming in for at least 16 years and he had many friends here."
