Tributes have been paid to a man who was killed in a 'tragic' hit and run in Dover.

Michael Evans, 53, has been described as a 'gentle harmless giant', who 'didn't deserve to die like this'.

His life was cut short when he was hit by a red Peugeot 207 in Frith Road last Saturday.

Police found the car hours later abandoned near allotments in Astley Avenue.

A 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, both from the Dover area, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but have been bailed until December 5.

Both Mr Evan's cousin Gloria Stokely, from South Carolina in America, and landlord of 17 years, Glen Virtue, have paid tribute to the Liverpool FC fan in the hope more witnesses will come forward.

Ms Stokely told KentOnline: "Michael didn’t deserve to die like this.

"This was such a tragic incident and Michael will be dearly missed.

"I am hoping that if people learn who the pedestrian was that maybe someone will come forward with information to help with the investigation."

Landlord Glen Virtue said it was a privilege to have known Mr Evans.

He said: "I met Michael through Porchlight who were looking to rehouse him. Due to his learning difficulties nobody wanted him. I saw something I liked though.

"He was often wandering around town in his Liverpool shirt. A gentle harmless giant. I'd often sit in Dickens Cafe having a coffee with him.

"Once two well heeled estate agents offered me a coffee and a chat. Obviously touting for business. I sat with Michael instead which Michael took great delight in.

"This was such a tragic incident and Michael will be dearly missed..." Gloria Stokely

"Michael was mown down at the Morrison's traffic lights last week and was left to die in the road despite heroic attempts by police and passers by.

"Was a privilege to have known you Michael. We had some laughs son."

His post on Facebook has been liked more than 250 times and attracted almost 100 comments from others who want to pay tribute.

Mr Evans was the son of Robert and Vivienne Evans of Dover who are both now deceased.

He is survived by his his mum’s sister, Beryl Lackey, and her daughters and grandchildren, who all live in America.

Kent Police is continuing to appeal for any witnesses and are particularly interested in sourcing dashcam or video footage of the red Peugeot 207.

Detective Inspector Lynn Lewis, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We are following numerous, ongoing lines of enquiry but remain very keen to obtain footage that shows the vehicle involved being driven.

"It is possible motorists travelling in the area on Saturday evening will have captured the Peugeot and their footage, no matter how insignificant it may appear, could be a crucial piece of evidence that can help us establish the full circumstances."

Anyone with information is asked Kent Police’s Serious Collison Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 quoting reference DB/RF/118/19.

Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.police.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Dover