Pensioner and labrador ‘he loved more than life itself’ both killed in bus crash

Tributes have been paid to an elderly man and his beloved pet labrador after they were both fatally struck by a bus in Bristol.

The man and his pet were critically injured in the collision and died at the scene in Bristol after 11pm on Thursday.

The driver of the bus, believed to be in his 30s, was detained by officers and remains in custody as enquiries are ongoing.

Heartbroken neighbour Paul Oakley told Metro: ‘He would often stop for a chat when he was out walking his dog.

‘He loved him more than life itself.

‘He was always out walking him in all weathers and used to see him most evenings. It’s so very sad.

‘Still can’t get my head around how the bus driver couldn’t see him. Avon and Somerset police are investigating what happened so I am sure the details will come to light in time.’

Specialist family liaison officers are now supporting the unnamed man’s next of kin, with formal identification of the pedestrian yet to have taken place.

A spokesperson for Somerset and Avon Police said: ‘We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a pedestrian died following a collision with a bus in Bristol on Thursday, October 22.

‘The collision happened at the junction for Stockwood Lane and Hollway Road at around 11.10pm.

‘The road has since reopened after enquiries were carried out at the scene.

‘The pedestrian, a man in his 70s, was critically injured and died at the scene.

‘While formal identification is yet to take place, his next of kin have been informed and will be supported by a specialist family liaison officer.’

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.