A DAD has been hailed a hero by Derby workers who say he was killed after stepping in to help a man involved in a disturbance.
Father-of-three Kevin O'Connell died on Saturday after being involved in a collision with a car.
The 33-year-old died after the incident in Burton Road at 1pm. He has been praised for getting out of his car, which is thought to have contained all his children, to help the man.
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of assault and both have been bailed pending police inquiries.
A police spokesman said: "Early indications from witnesses suggest Mr O'Connell saw a disturbance, drove to where the alleged incident occurred and attempted to intervene.
"At this point, one male tried to run off and Mr O'Connell gave chase. At some point, he was in a collision with [a car driven by] an unconnected member of the public."
He said both people arrested on suspicion of assault had been bailed while police inquiries continue.
An entry on the Derby Telegraph's Facebook page from Donna states: "Thank you for all your well wishes. The children are in bits, as are his family. He has been taken too soon at 33."
One woman, who lives in Derby and works on Burton Road, said she phoned the police about the incident after one of Mr O'Connell's daughters tried to phone for an ambulance.
She said: "It was a terrible accident. We could hear screaming outside and knew something was wrong from that.
"I was crying and upset. I think of the poor kids – this will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
"I walked to help them because it is just natural. You do feel a little useless afterwards, but we could not have done more.
"He must have been a special person to pull over and he obviously had something about him.
"If I saw what he saw, I don't know if I would get out of my car.
"It takes guts. He stopped his car to help and is a hero.
"I'm sure he was a genuinely nice guy."
Family friend Tracey Bricknell said she had known Mr O'Connell and his family for many years.
Tracey, 50, of Findern, said: "My heart and thoughts go out to all the family.
"It is a tragic accident – Kevin was loved by everybody. He was very friendly and outgoing and has been taken too young.
"He has a very strong family unit, they are all together.
"His mum talks about the family all the time."
She added that the news had just hit home.
She said: "When accidents are reported, I always feel for the family but, when it's somebody you know, it's horrible.
"To think it can happen in Derby is awful.
"They are a lovely and down-to-earth family and I know the funeral will be huge, absolutely huge."
Social media was flooded with messages about Kevin and the support which is being shown to his family.
Martin Edwards wrote: "RIP Kev. My heart goes out to all your family. Never forgotten."
Richard Yeomans added: "My thoughts go out to you and your family. I'm really sorry to hear about it."
Gary Woolley wrote: "What can one say? A fantastic lad, a fantastic family.
"I just cannot believe it. My thoughts are with you all. God bless you all."
And Michael Bowler, 26, of Burton Road, said the death of Mr O'Connell was shocking.
He said: "It happened outside my house and it's terrible news because I'm told he has children."
Agata Kulawik, 45, also of Burton Road, said she was shocked at the death.
She added: "I looked through my house window and could see the police and ambulance.
"I really hope his family will be OK. It's terrible."
Witnesses or anyone else with information about the incident should call police on 101 and ask to speak to Det Con Gillan.
