A FUND has been set up to support the family of a man who died after being hit by a police car as he crossed the road.

Jimmy Lee, 50, died at Royal Blackburn Hospital on Tuesday after being hit by a BMW X5 in Bolton Road, Blackburn, at around midnight on Sunday.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission was last night continuing to investigate the circumstances which led to his death.

A collection box has now left at Sam’s Bar in Blackburn town centre to support the family of Mr Lee, who was known to the police.

Assunta Pilkington, who set up the collection, said: “Following the sad loss of our dear friend Jimmy Lee there will be a collection box in Sam’s Bar.

“All the money gathered will be sent to his family to help them at this difficult time. Hopefully we can raise enough to help towards the cost of saying our final goodbyes to a man we all loved very much and will miss dearly.

“We're thinking of his family and friends at this devastating time

“Jimmy was a very loving and kind person. He would help anybody. He loved his family. He only had his mum and sister. He was a lovely lad .”

Meanwhile people have continued to pay their condolences to a man who had a ‘tragic life’.

Lee Barnes wrote: “A well-known character in Blackburn, tragic life story but a heart of gold and at times a pain. RIP Jimmy Lee .”

Graham Gresh Brynes posted: “Sad news. Jimmy was one of life’s characters. RIP.”

Lee Phillipson wrote: “Rip Jimmy Lee. He was a character.

“My thoughts go out to Zoey and Josie.”

John Paul O’Reilly wrote: “RIP Jimmy Lee. Your crazy antics gonna be missed. Keep your shadow boxing going up there.”

Danny Ginley said: “RIP Jimmy Lee. Gone but never forgotten. Blackburn will never be the same with out you. I remember all the good times we had. I'm still shocked.”

Alicia Cole posted: “What a shame, RIP Jimmy Lee! One guy that will never be forgotten. Thoughts go out to your family at this horrible time.You will be missed.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log number 0001 of August 7.