A MAN has died after he was hit by a car on New Year’s Day.

Nasser Dungriwala, also known as “Nas”, from Blackburn, suffered severe head injuries when he was hit by a blue Volkswagen Golf in Wainwright Way, Blackburn.

The 38-year-old was taken to Royal Preston Hospital and never recovered from his injuries.

Mr Dungriwala was the youngest of four brothers and was a former student at Billinge High School in Blackburn.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Mr Dungriwala’s family said they were crushed when they were told the devastating news.

A family spokesman said: “Nas was a very, nice, lovable and respectful person.

“He was very bright and intelligent lad.

“He was popular in the community, he was well liked and had lots of friends.

“We as a family are heartbroken, he was loved as a son and loved as a brother and we will miss him so much.”

The incident took place at around 7.15pm. The driver of the car, who was not injured, stopped at the scene. No arrests have been made.

Family friend Cllr Hussain Akhtar, who represents the area where Mr Dungriwala’s family lives on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “I saw Nasser on Johnson Street on New Year’s Day. It’s shocking to think I would never see him again after that.

“He was a lovely young man and it is shocking that he has died.

“I have known the family for a long, long time, I know his father who is also a gentleman.

“I spoke to Nasser many times and he was always very chatty and very polite.

“I have been to see the family and will support them in every way I can.”

Police have installed an appeal poster near the Canterbury Street junction on Wainwright Way and have called for anyone with information to come forward.

Sergeant Marc Glass said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the man’s family, who are currently being supported by a family liaison officer.

“We offer them our deepest condolences at this incredibly difficult time.

“We now want to piece together exactly what occurred and are urging anybody who saw the collision, or saw either the car or the pedestrian in the moments before it happened, to contact us as soon as possible.”

The road was closed for four hours for collision investigation work.

Anybody with information can contact police us on 101, quoting log number 1632 of January 1.