Dad, 25, dies on his way to work

A man tragically died just days before his 26th birthday after being struck by an HGV. The fatal incident occurred at approximately 7.35am on Tuesday, October 29, when emergency services were dispatched to the scene of the collision involving an HGV and a cyclist at the Tower Road and Birkenhead Road roundabout in Birkenhead.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene and has been identified by Merseyside Police as 25-year-old Brandon Valentine from Liscard. Specialist officers are providing support to his family.

Following the accident, a 36-year-old man was detained on suspicion of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving and has since been released under investigation, reports the Liverpool Echo. The Echo reports that in an emotional tribute posted on Facebook, Valentine's partner Poppy Mitchell said: "Your memory will live on forever in your boy. Taken far too soon at such a young age.

"Days shy of your 26th birthday. Why you Bran? Why you? I hope you can hear me talking to you telling you it's okay it wasn't your fault and don't worry about Carter please Bran I wish we could swap places.

"I'll forever feel your gentle kisses and soft hands I had that side to you that no one would see. You were my Brandon and I was your Poppy from the very first time we spoke, even though I was too shy to meet you for years and years."

She remembered the persistence and love that defined their bond, stating: "We finally met and you wouldn't give up on us and I'm so glad for that. No one is as special as you and I will not forget the love you poured into everything you found important."

A GoFundMe page has been established to support the bereaved family of the young father, who was on his way to work when he died. The tribute on the fundraising platform speaks volumes of Brandon as a true "family man" emphasizing how his loved ones were "his whole life".

"Everyone is devastated and heartbroken by this major loss," it said. "I've set up this page to ease the costs for the family and to give Brandon the send off he deserves. His family was his whole life. Let's help his family and make him proud."

Social media tributes have poured in. One said: "Sleep tight Brandon Valentine, much love brother" and "Some of the best memories with you in our teenage years Brandon Valentine. You'll be forever missed."

Additionally, the Seacombe Bonfire and Works Display organisers intend to contribute to Brandon's family through donations collected on November 5.

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper of the MATRIX Serious Collision Investigation Unit relayed his sympathies: "Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with Brandon's family at this difficult time and our specialist officers are supporting them.

"We are continuing to investigate the collision and the events leading up to it. I urge anyone who witnessed or has information on this incident which will assist the investigation to please contact us.

"I ask motorists in the vicinity at that time to please check your dashcam footage to see if it has captured anything which could assist our inquiries. Every piece information or footage could be vital in establishing what happened and provide his family with answers."

Anyone who witnessed the crash or captured anything on CCTV or dashcam is asked to contact SCIU on (0151) 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside. police.uk quoting reference 24000917960.

Alternatively DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. To donate to the GoFundMe, please click here.