Tributes have been paid to a sport-loving grandfather-of-seven who was found dead in an Oxford city centre street.

Frederick Carter, of Vicarage Road, in Oxford, was found at the junction of St Aldate’s and Speedwell Street in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The 74-year-old had suffered multiple head injuries and was declared dead the scene.

His family, from Milton Keynes, in Buckinghamshire, paid tribute to the father-of-five.

The family said: “Dad, known to everyone as Fred, was a fit and healthy man, with a proven heart. His legacy is known to many. A strong, silent, yet a strongly opinionated man, with so many amazing stories to tell.

“His journey in life took him through the Second World War evacuation to Yorkshire and National Service in Hong Kong. During his time in the army he was a keen cricketer, footballer and boxer, playing for many good amateur teams after having been coached by Surrey Cricket Club and having a trial for the English schoolboy international team.

“He was also a keen greyhound and horse racing enthusiast as well as a music lover.

“We would also like to pay tribute to all members of the emergency services who worked on this tragic incident in St Aldate’s and to thank them for their respect and help. We would also like to express our sympathies with all concerned in this tragic incident.”

Police have arrested a 33-year-old driver of a stretched Hummer limousine on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

Detectives are appealing for a man and a woman in their 20s who were near the scene at the time to contact officers.

Anyone with information should contact Sgt Mark Ponting on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.