Jamie Symons, who lived and worked at the Ash Rescue Centre, just outside Dartmouth, has been identified as the man who was killed in a suspected hit and run yesterday on College Way near the Britannia Royal Naval College.

Originally from Plymouth, Mr Symons moved to Paignton in 2016 before becoming homeless. He was working and living at the Ash Rescue Centre, in Ash near Bugford, up until his death in Dartmouth.

The manager of ARC said of Mr Symons: “He lived and worked us. He was previously homeless. He was staying with us until he got on his feet. For the time he was with us, he was really hard working and a really nice man.”

Flowers were laid near the scene of the incident and included a message: “You were always so good to me and helped me at times of need. An awesome person, taken too soon.”

One tribute left a reassuring message about looking after his dogs, including a black lurcher, to which Mr Symons was known to be attached.