More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Tributes have been paid to a dad from Kent who was hit by a car and killed in an M&S car park.
Scooter enthusiast Matthew 'Tik' Tester grew up in the county - living in Kemsing, near Sevenoaks - before upping sticks for Surrey.
The 49-year-old, who ran a scaffolding firm and fathered twin girls, previously attended Wildernesse School for Boys - now amalgamated into The Knole Academy.
He suffered fatal chest injuries on Thursday when he was struck by a BMW in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. A man has since been charged with murder.
The scooter-loving dad was hit by the vehicle in the car park of a M&S Foodhall where - despite the best efforts of paramedics - he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second man was airlifted to hospital but he is expected to recover.
Mr Tester has been remembered by his friends and family as a doting dad who loved scooters.
Tik's brother said: "Tik was a much-loved son, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to so many. Those who knew him will talk of his humour, generosity, willingness to help and his cheeky grin.
"This tragedy has absolutely rocked the family who have been devastated by Tik’s death. The hurt and sadness we’ve felt over the past few days simply cannot be fully quantified…and something no-one should ever experience.
"The consequences and ripples of Tik’s death will have a lasting effect on so many lives. No mother should expect to outlive their son.
"Over the past few days, the family have been inundated with condolences, love and such warmth and well wishes from friends across the country - a testament to the love and affection people have for Tik and his family. This has been of a great comfort.
Tik is a figure widely known and loved within the Scootering community, which have all been rocked by the news of their friend’s tragic death. This affection has so far raised over £11k from nearly 500 donations from the scooterists worldwide in a GoFundMe, and £22k from the various Just Giving pages set up to help the family.
Tik's daughter said: "Dad taught me how to live. Our favourite thing was just to laugh, because even in our darkest time we did it together."
Paying tribute on Facebook, friend Kevin Hawkes wrote: "RIP tik ride safe in heaven my friend thinking of your family at this very sad time."
Mike Bonett wrote: "He was always full of laughs and thinking and talking about scooters....always."
Murder charge
Shaan Mir, 26, of Arlington Lodge in Weybridge, has been charged with murder and attempted murder after being arrested on Thursday. He is due to appear at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Detective Chief Inspector David Springett who is leading the investigation said: “This is an extremely difficult time for Tik’s family and I would ask that their privacy is respected to allow them to grieve in peace.”
