THE man who died after his car hit a brick wall in the early hours of Monday has been named by police.

Alan Coxon, 31, from the Park End area of Middlesbrough, was driving east along Ladgate Lane, in the town, when his Mazda 323 left the road and hit a brick wall next to Ormesby Beck.

Residents who saw the accident said they heard a loud bang before the car burst into flames.

One resident tried to pull him from the car, but was beaten back by the flames.

Mr Coxon died at the scene.

A family spokesman said: "The whole family is devastated by Alan's tragic death.

"He leaves a partner who is expecting his child in the next few months and he was looking forward to the birth of his baby.

"Alan, who was a former railway worker, spent a lot of time recently renovating the family home in readiness for the little one's arrival.

"The news has still to sink in to lots of people who knew him. It has come as a complete shock to everyone. People just cannot believe he was enjoying the Boro game on Sunday afternoon and, hours later, was involved in this tragic incident.

"His death has left some questions which the police are keen to answer and we would back their appeal for anyone who knows anything about his final hours to get in touch."

Fire crews said they did not know if the fire was caused by the impact or a vehicle defect. They said the road was frosty at the time of the incident.

Ladgate Lane was closed between Marton crossroads and Overdale Road for several hours while the area was cleared by council workers. Oil and fuel spillage was washed away by the fire service.

Police want to hear from witnesses, particularly anyone who saw or spoke to Mr Coxon between 2.30am and the time of the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 301552.

An inquest into the accident was opened and adjourned in Middlesbrough, yesterday.

Mr Coxon's father, George, 60, of Pallister Park, told Coroner Michael Sheffield his son was an unemployed maintenance engineer who lived with his girlfriend, Samantha Spanswick, 25, in Wibsey Avenue