THE family of a student who died after being hit by a car while lying on the road have paid tribute to him, calling him an extremely kind hearted person who loved life and was always willing to help others.

Police are still trying to understand why Andrew Michael Cook, 34, of Garden Lane, Durham, was lying on the city’s South Road.

He was hit by a Vauxhall Corsa travelling north towards the New Inn traffic lights shortly before 10.30pm on Thursday (March 20) and suffered fatal injuries.

In a statement released through Durham Police, Mr Cook’s family said he would be sadly missed.

“Andrew was a young man who loved life and his family and loved going to college and spending time with his dog.

“Andrew was an extremely kind hearted person who was always willing to help others, he will be sadly missed.”

The crash happened near the junction with Elvet Hill Road.

The Corsa driver, a 31-year-old woman from Sunniside, and her passenger, a 36-year-old from Bishop Auckland, were both unhurt.

Police are appealing for anyone with information on what happened to call them on 101 and ask for the collision investigation unit.