The family of a 'very proud' grandad who was killed after being hit by a car in Bolton have paid a touching tribute to him.
William Watson - known by his loved ones as Bill - was knocked down on Blackburn Road in the Astley Bridge area at around 12pm last Friday (December 16). He tragically died of his injuries at the scene.
Paying tribute to him, his family described him as a 'very proud family man and loving partner'. They said he 'will be missed by all who knew him'.
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"William Watson, known to all as Bill, was taken from us on the 16th of December 2022 in tragic circumstances", his family said in a statement issued through Greater Manchester Police. "He was an 80-year-old former garage owner from Egerton, where he’s lived most of his life.
"He was a very proud family man and loving partner. He loved walking, spending time in the Lake District and travelling the world with his partner Jean.
"He was fiercely protective of all of his family, in particular his Grandchildren who he loved greatly. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him."
Officers have not revealed what type of vehicle was involved in the collision. Blackburn Road was closed at the junction with Crompton Way for several hours following the tragedy.
Drivers were warned to avoid the area, with traffic being diverted way from the scene via Darwen Road, Turton Road and Tonge Moor Road to avoid the closure. A large number of emergency service vehicles were spotted at the scene, as well as an air ambulance which landed nearby.
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