THE family of a father who was allegedly murdered in a hit-and-run close to his home has spoken of the impact the death will have on his son.

Mike Fennah, 52, died when he was allegedly struck by a silver Renault Megane on Scott Avenue in Whiston on Tuesday (December 17).

In a statement issued through Merseyside Police, Mr Fennah's partner - who asked that her name be withheld - said: “There are no words to express what myself, our son and his family are going through.

"There will be a lot of people who knew Mike or knew of him and will fully understand my sentiment when I say what a large part of our lives is now missing.

"Our son will have to grow up with memories, pictures and stories about his dad, a poor substitute for the huge role Mike had in his life.

"A son, brother, uncle, nephew, my partner, my friend and more importantly a dad, Mike will be sadly missed by all.

"We would like to thank people for their support during this difficult time and would ask that we be left to grieve in private.”

Mr Fennah's former stepson Nathan James Kenny, 33, of Braemar Close, Whiston has been charged with murder.