Tributes to 'beautiful soul and true gentleman' killed in alleyway crash

Tributes have been paid to a "beautiful soul and true gentleman" who was tragically killed in an alleyway crash.

Lancashire Police were called to Paramatta Street in Rawtenstall at around 11.20pm on Friday (July 26). They discovered an Audi A5 which 'had been in collision with a man who was in the alleyway'.

The victim, who has been named locally as Jake Neary, was sadly declared dead at the scene. It's believed he was in his 30s. His family are receiving support from specially trained officers at this time.

READ MORE: Exactly how hot it will get as 'mini heatwave' hits Greater Manchester

In the wake of the tragedy, the local community has shown its support through floral tributes both at the crash site and the Neary's General Store on Helmshore Road.

One heartfelt message read: "To the Neary family, I hope you can feel the love and light extended to you from your Helmshore family at this devastating time."

Another tribute expressed: "Jake, a true gentleman, beautiful soul," while a third shared: "Such devastating news. Thoughts are with you all."

As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The police are actively seeking witnesses and have issued a call for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the vicinity to come forward, Lancs Live reports.

Sgt Dan Gunn, from the Roads Policing Unit, expressed his condolences, stating: "First and foremost my thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who died at this very sad and distressing time.

"As part of our investigation, we are appealing for witnesses to the collision and we want anyone who walked past this alleyway off Parramatta Street around the time it happened, to get in contact."

"Also, if anyone has dashcam or CCTV footage from