BUS company Arriva has paid tribute to one of its "much-loved" drivers who died after being hit by a lorry in Heckmondwike town centre yesterday.

Philip Carlton, 71, from Liversedge, was involved in a collision with the lorry in Westgate yesterday morning, and died at the scene.

In a post this evening, Arriva said: "Sadly yesterday one of our much loved drivers Phil Carlton - Mr Bus was tragically killed while walking back from the bus hub to the depot for his break.

"As a mark of respect our buses in Heckmondwike will display black ribbons. Our deepest sympathies go to Phil’s family, friends and colleagues at this time."

West Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses and the Major Collision Enquiry Team would like to speak to anyone who saw, or has dashcam footage of the incident, which happened just before 8.30am.

A police spokesperson said: "Police were called at 8.31am by the ambulance service to attend the incident in which a white Volvo lorry had been in collision with a man in his 70s.

"Despite medical attention the male, a Mr Phillip Carlton, 71, from Liversedge, was confirmed to have died at the scene."

DS Alison Webb, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: “We are conducting a full investigation into the circumstances of this collision which has sadly resulted in the death of a pedestrian.

“I would ask anyone who saw the collision, the white Volvo lorry or the man just prior to the collision, or who has any dashcam footage of what took place to contact MCET on 101 referencing police log 329 of 30th September.