A fundraiser has been launched to help with the funeral costs of a West Lothian dad who died after being hit by a police car on Boxing Day.
Ian Hynes, 62, tragically passed away after being struck by the marked car on Almond Link Road, Livingston, on December 26. Ian has since been described as "kind and respectful" as tributes flooded in from family and friends.
The Courier reports how Ian was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh by ambulance but was pronounced dead a short time later. His heartbroken daughter Nicola Haines said her dad's death had come "as a great shock to the family".
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The driver of the police vehicle was uninjured after the incident and a probe into the crash is still ongoing.
Ian's wife Alana has set up a GoFundMe page to help towards the cost of her husband's funeral. Ian's daughter continued: "I just want to do right by my dad and give him a good send off, he was a good guy and didn't deserve this to happen to him."
Those close to Ian revealed they were enjoying playing pool just a short time before the incident and that he was a regular at his local pub the Paraffin Lamp. Ian was considered a great friend and a character.
Devastated pal 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. "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.
"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."
Another 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'. "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."
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."
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."
The fundraising page can be found here
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