Tommy Hunter: Tributes paid to Derbyshire dad with 'energetic spirit'

A father whose son was killed after a suspected hit-and-run says he is "so touched" by the community's support.

Tommy Hunter, 27, was found at the side of Burton Road in Leicestershire on Monday morning.

His father Mark Hunter paid tribute to dozens of people who gathered to let off fireworks in Hartshorne, Derbyshire, as a mark of remembrance.

Derby County, the team Tommy supported, is also planning a minute's applause in his memory on Saturday.

Mr Hunter, 55, told the BBC: "The support means so much to the family. I can't say thank you enough."

Speaking about the gathering on Thursday evening, Mr Hunter said the outpouring of support was "amazing".

"It means everything, it is so comforting for us - I'd like to thank them all individually but it is impossible. I am so touched," he said.

Tommy, a Derby County fan, also played Sunday League football for Springfield Sports Bar in Swadlincote. The team has paid tribute to him on social media.

Family and friends will gather for a private memorial on Burton Road on Saturday before heading to Pride Park.

Mr Hunter said Derby County had donated six tickets to Tommy's partner Chloe, with the club planning a special tribute in the 27th minute during their home fixture against Wycombe Wanderers.

Mr Hunter, from Woodville, said Tommy loved his football and was a kickboxer as a child. In later life, he worked as a foreman at an engineering firm.

"He was a bubbly character, he had infectious, energetic spirit to everyone that knew him. He didn't have a bad bone in his body," Mr Hunter said.

"He would love all of this, people coming out for him showing all the love to him. His world was his son."

A fundraiser for Tommy's son has also hit £8,500.

The father of one was reported missing after leaving a nightclub in Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire in the early hours of Sunday.

A body believed to be his was found in hedges on Monday morning.

Police arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving the same day. He has since been released under investigation.

Officers believe Tommy had been walking home to Newhall in Derbyshire when he was hit by a car.

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].