A MOTHER and father have paid tribute to their son who died after being hit by a car in Essex.

Charles Reader, 28, was struck by a Renault in Main Road, Dovercourt, and later died in hospital.

His parents – Paul and Frances Reader, of Elmhurst Road, Dovercourt – said that he was well-liked by everybody who knew him.

Yesterday Essex police renewed their appeal for witnesses to the crash, which happened around 9.30pm on Saturday.

Charles was in collision with a black Clio close to The Royal pub. Police said it is thought he had been trying to cross the road.

Charles, of Rebow Road, Dovercourt, also leaves behind two sisters, Nicola, 31, Emma, 27, his nephew David John, 10, and his girlfriend Kate Humphrey, 31.

Mr Reader, 58, said: “When I found out I felt numb. I’d seen him at 11am that day to give him his shopping money, which he went out that day and used.”

Mrs Reader, 55, said she had been out with David John, known as DJ, when she heard the news.

“I thought it was cuts and bruises,” she said. “When I found out I felt disbelief more than anything.”

Mrs Reader, who cares for her grandson at home, said: “We’ve had to try to keep life near normality for DJ but he understands what has happened.”

Charles originally worked for Veolia Environmental Services at Dovercourt recycling centre before moving to work at their centre in Clacton.

Charles suffered from learning difficulties and attended the Leas School in Clacton, where he met his girlfriend Kate.

Charles, who loved model railways and played darts for a local team, was described by his mother as a “bit of a joker” and a “loveable rogue”.

Mr Reader added: “He was liked by everybody who knew him.

“At school he always had a good crowd of friends.

“He was a loving son, a loving brother to his two sisters and a loving uncle to his nephew David John. He will always be missed.”

The two male occupants of the Renault Clio were uninjured.

The driver, a 22-year-old man from Hornchurch in east London, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and later released on police bail until February 5, pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information in connection with this crash is urged to contact Essex Police’s serious collision investigation unit on 101.

Alternatively, e-mail collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk