Man who died in crash near university 'sadly missed'

A man who died in a road collision outside a university was "a family man" who "enjoyed a pint, a game of snooker and birdwatching".

The crash involving a white Peugeot Partner van and a blue Vauxhall Agila happened at the entrance to Lancaster University on Saturday just before 20:00 GMT, Lancashire Police said.

A passenger in the car, Alan Williamson from Lancaster, was pronounced dead at the scene on the A6 Scotforth Road. Paying tribute, the 88-year-old's family said: "Alan will be very sadly missed by all who knew him."

The van driver - a man in his 20s from Galgate - was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

The driver of the car, a man in his 60s from Lancaster, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he is in a critical condition, police said.

Another passenger in the car, a woman in her 60s, suffered less severe injuries.

Mr Williamson's family said: "He grew up in Lancaster with his two brothers Dennis and Geoff, he was a family man, and he married Jean before they went on to have two children - Peter and Karen.

"In his working life, Alan worked at Heysham power station, Storeys and Standfast.

"In his spare time Alan enjoyed a pint, a game of snooker and birdwatching.

"He also did a lot of walking in his younger years with his late wife Jean."

The van driver was later released under investigation.

Officers have appealed for any witnesses to come forward, as well as for any dashcam or mobile footage.

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