The heartbroken family of an ambulance trust worker who was killed outside a pub said he was a “dedicated father and a whole-hearted community man”.

Sheldon Flanighan, 55, died as a result of the injuries he sustained after being reportedly struck by a van outside the Bay Horse pub in Cramlington, Northumberland, on Saturday evening (April 1).

An investigation was subsequently launched, and three people have appeared in court charged with his murder.

Mr Flanighan worked for the North East Ambulance Service, and his family paid tribute to the father of two.

Read more: Three arrested in murder inquiry after man dies outside North East pub

In a statement, Sheldon's family said the father "touched the lives of many". 

They said: “Sheldon came with a character larger than life, a smile and laughter that lit up the room, and a heart that saw the good in everyone.

“This personality endeared Sheldon to our family, his ambulance service colleagues, the golfing community, and his life-long friends from Northumberland and the wider North East.

The Northern Echo: The Bay Horse pub in Cramlington was taped off on Sunday (April 1).The Bay Horse pub in Cramlington was taped off on Sunday (April 1). (Image: Daniel Hordon)

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“His devotion to his sons, his close family and life-long friends, together with his total commitment and duty to the North East Ambulance service, strongly reflects the dedicated father and whole-hearted community man that Sheldon was.

“For those who knew Sheldon, it feels impossible to imagine life without him.

“We are all united in mourning.

“Sheldon touched the lives of many, once met, never forgotten and we are richer for knowing him. His legacy will live on through us all.”

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The three who face charges of murder and attempted murder on another man who was injured, are Toby Kelly, 37 of Wansbeck Avenue in Blyth, who has also been charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis; David Fairclough, 32, of Emerson Road, Newbiggin-by-the-sea and Shannon Wooden, 27, of Blyth.

They are due back before Newcastle Crown Court next month.