STRANGERS have so far helped raise nearly £3,000 for the family of a father killed in a hit-and-run.

The man, Steve, was cycling to work in Roding Hill, Buckhurst Hill at 3.30am on Thursday (December 1) when he was hit by a minibus or a van.

He died in hospital the following day and although rumours circulating claim he died of hypothermia, this is untrue.

Family friend Sarah Ward-Kaye has started a Go Fund Me page to raise money for his wife, Dalene, and ten-year-old son Jonathan.

In just one day, 118 people donated £2,580 - smashing the original £1,000 target.

Dalene, who is South African, has lived in England for the last 30 years and her family are based in both South Africa and Australia.

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Ms Ward-Kaye wrote on the page: "Their little boy is now left without his dad and Dalene without her husband.

"Dalene's family are trying their hardest to get to the UK to support their sister and nephew at this sad time.

"I am fundraising for Dalene, Jonathan and Steve's family to help with the forthcoming expenses and to try and ease the financial worries so this family can concentrate on being together and healing."

Police are now appealing for anyone who knows what happened to come forward.

Detective inspector Dave Jones from the Essex Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “We believe the vehicle involved in this collision was a small lorry, probably less than seven and-a-half tonnes, and light, possible white, in colour.

“It was travelling towards Buckhurst Hill from Debden.

“I would urge the driver of the vehicle to come forward and contact us."

Anyone with information can contact officers at the SCIU on 01245 240 590 or email CollisionAppeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.