Tributes have been paid to a Scots dad hailed as a 'great guy' who died after being hit by a police car.
Ian Hynes, 62, has been named locally following the horror accident, which took place on Almond Link Road in Livingston at around 10.15pm on Boxing Day. Ian was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh by ambulance but was pronounced dead a short time later.
Those close to Ian have revealed they were playing pool with the dad just hours before he passed away. Ian was a regular in his local pub the Paraffin Lamp and was considered a great friend and a character.
Heartbroken pal Chloe Mabon said: “We were literally playing pool on Boxing Day shortly before he was struck by the police vehicle. He was one of my best pals at the pub. We spent a lot of time together playing pool and he would always say to me when I beat him or anyone at pool that 'he was a good teacher'.
“Every time Ian beat me or one of the boys at pool he would do a cheeky wee dance that lit everyone’s face up even if we got beat. Ian has always been there for me asking how my own football was getting on and he was a very supportive guy overall he would literally do anything for anyone."
Craig Kempton said: “I worked with Ian for many years at Morrisons, Ian was the most kind and respectful guy I have ever met, he had time for everyone.
“Ian loved to spend time in the pub when he wasn’t working and had many friends in his local pub the Paraffin Lamp in Livingston. This is a complete shock to everyone including myself but I have many happy memories with Ian and he was a true friend.
“I didn’t know Ian a great deal up until a few years ago but I spent every single day with him when I worked at Morrisons and he was a great guy. He will hold a special place in my heart forever.”
Elizabeth Thom, who knew Ian after growing up together, added: “God bless Ian. I grew up with him in Heather Bank Ladywell. He was a family friend and was also a regular at my local pub the Paraffin Lamp. Ian was a very quiet man but very helpful to all he knew.
“He will be very much missed for sure from all his friends at The Parry Lamp, his neighbours and his workmates.”
His heartbroken daughter Nicola Haines added: "This has come as a great shock to the family. I will update further when funeral arrangements have been made."
The driver of the marked police car didn’t require medical treatment. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Investigators are now appealing for witnesses after the collision in Livingston and asked for anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
Superintendent Andrew Hall commented on the incident by saying: "Police attended at Almond Link Road in Livingston around 10.15pm on Monday, 26 December, 2022, following a collision involving a marked police car and a male pedestrian.
"A 62-year-old man was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and was pronounced dead a short time later.
"The male driver and sole occupant of the police car did not require medical treatment."
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner for Scotland (Pirc) have now launched a probe into the incident as an officer was involved.
Steven Carr, senior investigator with Pirc, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the man who died.
“Our investigation into the circumstances of this incident is continuing, and I would urge any drivers with dashcam footage, or anyone who witnessed the collision, to please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 3422 of December 26, 2022 or alternatively the Pirc during office hours on 01698 542900.”
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