A former professional Scots footballer has tragically died after being hit by a car in East Lothian.
Ex-Raith Rovers star Paul Hampshire was pronounced dead at the scene after being knocked down on the A1 near Dunbar on Sunday morning.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 1am after a black Ford Fiesta collided with the 40-year-old.
An investigation into the circumstances of the crash remains ongoing while heartfelt tributes have been paid to the ‘talented’ footballer.
The dad, who is originally from East Lothian, has been hailed a “class act” with a “wonderful left foot”.
A statement from Fife side Raith Rovers said: “The club were saddened to learn of the passing of former player Paul Hampshire, who died in a car accident on Sunday.
“Paul signed for the Rovers on the same day as Laurie Ellis in July 1998 from Hutchison Vale, and went on to make 69 appearances scoring 2 goals.
“A native of Dunbar, he was the younger brother of Steven, a striker who played for Chelsea and the Pars.
“Paul is remembered as being blessed with a wonderful left foot, and he left the Rovers to sign for Berwick Rangers in May 2003.
“He also played for East Fife before playing out the remainder of his career in junior football.
“Our thoughts are with the Hampshire family – a full obituary will be published in due course.”
Berwick Rangers Vice-Chairman Craig Forsyth, who was also on the Board of Directors during Paul’s stint at the club from 2003 to 2005, said: “We were incredibly saddened to learn about Paul’s passing.
“Paul was a fantastic, technically gifted footballer – the sort fans would pay their admission money alone to watch – and was a great asset to the club in his two seasons, particularly in the 2003/04 season when he only missed one league match.
“He was also a top professional and a great person to be around, and all at the club would like to send our condolences to Paul’s family at this sad time.”
Dunbar United FC added that they were “devastated” to learn of the former Seasiders player's death and sent their sympathies to his family.
And Newquay AFC, based in Cornwall, added: “Paul will be remembered mostly I would imagine in Cornish football for his time with Newquay.
“Described as a ‘class act’ to me just now and certainly a magic midfielder with a wondrous left foot.
“Instrumental in the Peppermints season when they finished champions of Division One West 2011-12. Condolences go to his family and friends from all of us in Cornwall.”
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