TRIBUTES have been paid to driving instructor Geoff Smith from Bloxham who died after being hit by a van near Bicester. 

The 59-year-old died after being hit by a reversing Ford Transit Tipper van on the A4260 Oxford Road near Steeple Aston on Wednesday, December 30. 

Thames Valley Police confirmed that Mr Smith was walking towards a black Fiat Punto that had overturned when he was struck at about 8am and died from his injuries. 

Tributes have poured in for Mr Smith including from his daughter Helen Adkins who said: "My dad was an extremely loving husband and best friend to my mother Jen. He was an idol to my brother and I as our father, and the best father in law you could have ever have wished for.

"He was a soft, loving, funny man to all of his six grandchildren and carried so much pride for us all.

"He was a dedicated driving instructor and loved his work so very much.

"There will never be another like my dad. My Dad was the source and our guide to life. He shall forever be missed by all."

Rachel Prew said Mr Smith was a keyboard player in a band called Legend with her late father. She said he offered to teach her to drive as a way of paying tribute to her dad. 

She described him as "funny, laid back and kind-hearted" and said: "The last thing I did when I saw him was give him a hug, and I am so glad I did. He will be greatly missed by everyone he met. Gone too soon."

The force said a man from Bicester has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. 

The 55-year-old driver of the van has been released on police bail until March 30. 

The driver of the Fiat Punto suffered minor injuries.

South Central Ambulance Service spokesman David Gallagher said: “We were called at 8.01am following reports that a male pedestrian had been hit by a van.

“We sent two ambulances, a doctor and an air ambulance and the man was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital with life-threatening injuries.”

The road was closed for several hours while officers investigated the circumstances of the collision and re-opened at noon.

Investigating officer PC Julia Stroud, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or the vehicles involved prior to the collision, as they may have information which could assist the investigation.”

If you have any information which could assist the investigation please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.