Struggling to come to terms with Karl Malton's tragic death, his fiancée Amanda Phoenix from Millfield Gardens in Crowland wants to thank everyone for their support and caring words.

Amanda, also known as Mandy, described Karl (32) as an awesome father to his six children and the best partner anyone could ever have.

She said: "He was a devoted father to all six of his children – we had a wicked family life, his death will leave a big hole in all of our lives.

"I feel like I have had my right arm wrenched off. It has all happened so quickly.

"Karl was so lovely, his personality shone through. He was so outgoing and sociable, whoever he met loved him. It was his smile and charisma that attracted me to him."

Karl proposed to Mandy last Christmas. They had been together for just over four years and shared a passion for motorbikes.

He leaves behind his and Mandy's only child Jamie (3), as well as step-children Kerry (17) and Brendon (13), and three children from a previous marriage who were Marcus (12), Jarod (10) and Lucas (6).

Kerry said: "I think I speak for everyone when I say he was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, and when he smiled everything always felt so much better. He brought us relief, happiness, laughter, security, love and much more. I can't put into words how much we are all feeling and I never will be able to.

"I just want to say . . . Karl we love you and hope you are settled. Please watch over my mum while you ride with the angels."

Police believe Karl died after being hit by a car on the outskirts of Crowland on Tuesday night.

A 58-year-old Spalding man, who was driving a silver Honda Prelude, reported he had hit a pedestrian on Whipchicken Road at 11.25pm.

Emergency services arrived and found Karl's body in a ditch by the side of the road, which is just off the A1073.

The driver of the car was shocked but not injured.

It is not known why he was walking down the country lane, which has no lights.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area and saw Karl or who saw the Honda Prelude in the time leading up to the incident, which happened just off the B1166 and about 300 yards south of the junction with the A1073 near St James Farm.

A funeral date has yet to be fixed.