DEVASTATED family members pay tribute to Ronald Ramsey, who died after being hit by a car when it smashed into a pub.

Mr Ramsey, 74, was walking his dog, Bobby, outside the Hoy pub, in Clacton Road, St Osyth, when the Volkswagen car mounted the pavement.

He died in the arms of the pub’s landlord shortly after 4.20pm on Thursday.

A 36-year-old woman from the Clacton area was taken to hospital with serious, but not life-changing injuries.

A woman driving a Volkswagen estate was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

She has since been released under investigation and police enquiries are ongoing.

Mr Ramsey's family said: "As we struggle to understand the devastation we have been left to deal with, we take strength knowing what high regard friends and villagers had for Ronnie - my dad and a brilliant granddad.

"Thank you for all your sincere thoughts."

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Reflection - a passerby paying their respects

Friends continue to pay tribute to Mr Ramsey, of Norman Close, St Osyth.

Len Worrell said he knew the “Eastender” for more than 30 years.

The 77-year-old said: “He was one of the greatest men I’ve ever known and everyone’s friend.

“He used to have a pub in Maldon called the Welcome Sailor where I’d eat lunch.

“You couldn’t meet a nicer man in this village.” An elderly next door neighbour, who found it difficult to speak, said: “He’s the nicest man I’ve ever met.

“That corner frightens me every day, but living around there I have to walk past it.”

Helen Burke’s 26-year-old son was standing outside the pub waiting for his dad to collect him just three minutes before the crash.

Tearful, Mrs Burke said: “I can’t get those three minutes out of my head.”

Philip Wells, whose daughter Dominie Wells-Young owns the Hoy with husband Neil, said it is not the first time a vehicle has ploughed into the building.

The 70-year-old also said the issue has been going on for the last 50 years.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Tragic - floral tributes at the scene in Clacton Road, St Osyth

He said: “Whichever way you approach the crossing, it’s dangerous.

“No-one is certain of who has right of way, but you’d think this would make drivers slow down and be more careful. Ron was a lovely guy, a real old-school gentleman.

“The crash happened at the same time my grandchildren could’ve been walking home from school.

“It quite easily could’ve been one of them.

“The people are going to make this junction safe, not the councillors. I won’t let this man’s death be in vain.”

Friends said Bobby was not injured in the incident and initially bolted to Mr Ramsey’s home, where he lived with wife Pauline.

Frustrated residents echoed Mr Wells’ concerns with some already requesting traffic lights or mirrors to be installed.

They say the junction’s narrow pavements force pedestrians into the road and the nearest zebra crossing is by the village hall in, also in Clacton Road.

Some pedestrians avoid the crossroad altogether by taking a longer route, but it is a regular crossing for schoolchildren.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Stop - traffic signs instruct drivers to stop at the dangerous junction

St Osyth Parish Council has set up two books of condolence, which can be signed at John Stiff Estate Agents and L&K Funeral Directors, both in Clacton Road.

A spokesperson said: "The parish council is incredibly saddened at the loss of such a well-known resident, and our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Witnesses and anyone with dash cam footage or CCTV should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01245 240 590 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.