Family appeal over Liverpool car crash murder
The family of a man who died after he was deliberately run over in Liverpool have urged anyone with information to come forward to "give them peace".
Darren Nicholas Bates, 23, suffered multiple injuries in the incident in North Hill Street, Toxteth, at about 0020 GMT on Thursday.
Police are treating the father of one's death as murder.
"Darren was a very loving boy, who was very close to his family," his mother Clair Bates said.
"He was a good-looking, funny, fun-loving type of person who was well known socially within his community."
A keen sportsman, Mr Nicholas was a runner with Liverpool Harriers and was north west triple jump champion when he was 14.
"Darren's death has devastated all who knew and love him," Mrs Bates said.
"He has left a massive hole that can never be filled and the pain of losing him is unbearable."
"He will miss out on so much and will never get to see his four-year-old son Callum, who he adored, grow up.
"We ask anyone who may know anything about who has done this to Darren to please, please come forward to help bring us some peace at this horrendous time."
Detectives believe Mr Bates had had an argument with those responsible for his death before he was struck.
Police said there were a large number of people at the scene, who may be able to help with the inquiry.
Officers also want to trace a dark-coloured saloon car seen being driven away from the scene erratically.