'Devoted' dad-of-two killed during Storm Eunice after flying debris smashed through van windscreen

A 'popular' and 'devoted' dad has died in a tragic incident during Storm Eunice.

Father-of-two Stephen Matthews, 68, from Aintree, was the passenger in a van when flying storm debris smashed through the window.

Merseyside Police rushed to the scene at Switch Island following reports of a vehicle being damaged during the storm, reports the LiverpoolECHO.

Officers found that debris, which was being blown through the air by galeforce winds, had gone through the windscreen and hit Mr Matthews.

READ MORE: Met Office weather forecast as Storm Gladys could hit UK this week

The dad from Aintree was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident occurred at 2.10pm on Friday during the extreme conditions.

The man driving the van was not injured in the incident.

Stephen's family and friends have now paid tribute to him as they said he was "taken too soon".

“Stephen was a popular and well-known member of the Aintree community who was tragically taken from us too soon," one wrote.

“The beloved husband of Sylvia and devoted Dad to Jonathan and Robert, he will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends.”

Pat Moriatis said: "Very sad news my thoughts go out to his family, friends & also to the driver who must be devastated."

Annie Sharpes said: "Such a horrible thing to happen to someone just going about their business. That could've been any one of us. So shocking, poor man."