Tommy Hunter death: Man held over suspected hit-and-run released

A man who was arrested on suspicion of causing the death of a father in a suspected hit-and-run has been released under investigation.

Tommy Hunter, 27, 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 the 26-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving on Monday.

Police believe Mr Hunter had been walking home to Newhall in Derbyshire when he was hit by a car in Burton Road.

His father Mark Hunter, who spoke to the BBC when he visited the scene on Tuesday, said he felt "upset, angry, confused".

"He had been for a night out with his friends and I think they all split and he was walking home," said Mr Hunter.

"We reported him missing Sunday teatime and a load of people came out looking for him Sunday night.

"Chloe [his partner] found out that someone had found him yesterday morning about half-eight, nine o'clock time, and we got down here and the police had cordoned it all off."

Leicestershire Police said a body was discovered between The Taphouse pub and the junction for Bishop Hall Road.

Formal identification is yet to take place, the force added.

Speaking about his son, Mr Hunter said: "Everybody loved Tommy. He was the life and soul. He loved his football, he loved Derby.

"He loved a lot of sport really. He liked a laugh and a joke."

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