Yahoo Finance First picture of father-of-two ‘mown down’ in M&S car park fight
Matthew Tester was named by police as the victim
(Facebook)Tributes have flooded in for a “loving father” and motorbike enthusiast who was killed in a hit and run in a Marks and Spencer car park attack.
Matthew “Tik” Tester, 49, suffered fatal chest injuries after police said he was struck by a white BMW in a car park following a fight in the Walton-Upon-Thames branch of the supermarket.
Surrey Police dismissed early reports it was a road rage attack and said the parties involved knew each other before the brawl broke out.
The BMW driver is reported to have got in his car and run over Tik and the other man following the “altercation”.
The second man was airlifted to hospital but is expected to recover, with a 26-year-old arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Shocked friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to the father who ran a scaffolding firm based in Sunbury,
One said: “What a shock, was a brilliant guy and an inspiration to quite a few, condolences to his wife and children.”
Another expressed support for Mr Tester’s wife Kim and his two twin daughters: “You are in our hearts and thoughts today Kim you and your beautiful girls. RIP Tik. Can not believe it”.
Another said: “RIP Tik tester, gutted to hear of your passing. Ride easy up there mate. Xx”.
One friend added: “Just heard the sad news that we lost the lovely Tik Tester , gone to early. RIP Tik xx”.
A 26-year-old man, who police said was the owner of the vehicle, remains in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector David Springett, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are working hard to build up a picture of events yesterday afternoon and I would like to thank all those who have come forward so far to help us do this.
If you witnessed this incident or have any information relating to it and have not yet spoken to police, I would urge you to do so.
“A local man has sadly lost his life and our thoughts are very much with his family who are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.
“We are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen a white 1 series BMW in the area during the immediate period beforehand or afterwards as it left from the scene on Church Street at around 2pm, driving towards the High Street.
“A white BMW, suspected of being the vehicle involved, was later found unoccupied at Temple Field Close in Addelstone and has since been recovered.”
Sergeant Pat Bauer said it is believed to be an “isolated incident” and that some of those involved were previously known to each other.
He said: “There have been some reports speculating about road rage but initial enquiries do not support this and it is believed some of the parties were previously known to each other.
“The cordon on Church Road will remain in place for the time being and you should expect to see an increased police presence in the area as officers conduct enquiries, including house to house, over the coming days as we continue our work on this case.”
If you have any information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, please report by using the Major Incident Public Portal, via this link https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4519Z99-PO1 .
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