Tributes have been paid to a 62-year-old man who died after a crash with a police car in West Lothian, named locally as Ian Hynes.
Friends of Ian have began to pay heartfelt tribute to a man who was known by those close to him as a “gentleman” and a keen pool player at his local pub, the ‘Parry Lamp’ in Livingston.
Emergency services responded to reports of a collision involving a marked police car and a male on Almond Link Road in the West Lothian town at around 10:15pm on Monday.
READ MORE: West Lothian man dies after being hit by police car on Boxing Day
It is understood that Ian was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh by ambulance but was pronounced dead a short time later.
A regular at the pub popular with locals, he would often challenge friends to a game and would be both gracious in victory and in defeat.
He was well known by those in the pub and considered a great friend and character.
Craig Kempton who worked with Ian at Morrisons for a number of years said: “I worked with Ian for many years at Morrisons, Ian was the most kind and respectful guy I have ever met, he had time for everyone, the picture is me and him after the pub once they opened back up after lockdown.
“Ian loved to spend time in the pub when he wasn’t working and had many friends in his local pub the Paraffin Lamp in Livingston. This is a complete shock to everyone including myself but I have many happy memories with Ian and he was a true friend.
“I didn’t know Ian a great deal up until a few years ago but I spent every single day with him when I worked at Morrisons and he was a great guy. He will hold a special place in my heart forever.”
Chloe Mabon, who was playing pool with Ian shortly before the incident happened, added: “He was one of my best pals at the pub. We spent a lot of time together playing pool and he would always say to me when I beat him or anyone at pool that ‘he was a good teacher.’
“Every time Ian beat me or one of the boys at pool he would do a cheeky wee dance that lit everyone’s face up even if we got beat! Ian has always been there for me asking how my own football was getting on and he was a very supportive guy overall he would literally do anything for anyone.
“We were literally playing pool on Boxing Day shortly before he was struck by the police vehicle.”
Whereas Elizabeth Thom, who knew Ian after growing up together said: “God bless Ian. I grew up with him in Heather Bank Ladwel.
“He was a family friend and was also a regular at my local pub the Paraffin Lamp. Ian was a very quiet man but very helpful to all he knew.
“He will be very much missed for sure from all his friends at The Parry Lamp ,his neighbours and his workmates.”
Superintendent Andrew Hall commented on the incident by saying: "Police attended at Almond Link Road in Livingston around 10.15pm on Monday, 26 December, 2022, following a collision involving a marked police car and a male pedestrian.
"A 62-year-old man was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and was pronounced dead a short time later.
"The male driver and sole occupant of the police car did not require medical treatment.
"Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the man who died.
"The circumstances of this incident are being investigated by the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) under the instruction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS)."
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