A HEARTBROKEN family has paid tribute to a loving father who was struck by a car while returning home from a night out.

Daniel Lawrence, 33, died after he was airlifted to hospital following the crash, in Colchester Road, Thorpe.

Essex Police were first called to the scene at around 10.20pm on November 2.

The death of Mr Lawrence, from Clacton, has left "emptiness" in the lives of his devastated family.

They said: "We would like to thank all those who have offered their love and support, kind messages of condolences and tremendous generosity at this difficult time.

“Just knowing how much Dan was loved by so many is of great comfort to us all.

“We are all utterly heartbroken.

"Dan has left an emptiness in our lives that can never be filled none more so than to his three young children & wife.

“We of course would like to re-iterate that if anyone has any further information or sightings of Dan that evening, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel it is, please make contact with the police."

Essex Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101.

A spokesman said: "The driver of the car, who stopped immediately following the collision, was not arrested."

A fundraising page has been set up, hoping to support Mr Lawrence's widow and three young children.

The page's creator said: "Dan was tragically taken away from us after going on a night out with his mates and deciding the best route home was to walk.

"That was Dan, he would always do this no matter where he was.

"He was an amazing, fun, loving, warm, happy, young man who lived life to the full.

"He was loved by so many and his smile said it all.

"He has a wife, who he married in June in the Dominican Republic.

"The wedding day was so perfect it was like a fairy tale.

"They have three young beautiful kids who have lost their daddy, but their daddy will live through those kids."

The page was set up to help ease the burden on the family.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sarah-doherty