Married dad-of-two ‘repeatedly run over and killed in road rage attack outside Marks & Spencer store’

Tributes have flooded in for a married father-of-two who died in a suspected “road rage” incident.

Matthew Tester, 49, known as Tik to his friends, has been named as the victim of yesterday’s attack in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

Police said the driver of a BMW ran into Mr Tester and another man during the day next to a Marks and Spencer supermarket after a row broke out.

Following the “altercation”, investigators allege the driver got into his car and drove at Mr Tester and the other man.

The dad, who lived in the area with his wife Kim and two twin daughters, was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering fatal chest injuries, despite the effort of paramedics.

The second man was airlifted to hospital but is expected to recover.

A 26-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

‘Brilliant guy and an inspiration’

Heartbroken friends and family members paid tributes to popular Mr Tester, who ran a scaffolding business with his wife and was a scooter enthusiast.

One friend wrote on social media: "You are in our hearts and thoughts today Kim Louise Tester, you and your beautiful girls. RIP Tik. Can not believe it.”

Another said: “RIP Tik ride safe in heaven my friend thinking of your family at this very sad time."

More friends called Mr Tester’s death a “shock”.

"It is an absolute shock, great person, thoughts go out to his wife and daughters,” one wrote, while another said: "What a shock was a brilliant guy and an inspiration."

A family friend told MailOnline that Mr Tester’s wife had said he was “run over repeatedly”, saying: "Matthew is a really nice, hard-working family man. He runs a scaffolding company and his wife Kim does the books."

And a neighbour of Mr Tester’s told The Sun Online: “I can’t believe it. He was the nicest neighbour who would do anything for you if you asked.

“I can’t imagine him having an argument with anyone. I can’t understand why anybody would want to run him down - it’s so horrific.

“He was a very friendly man, a good husband and dad and incredibly hard-working."

‘Serious incident’

In a statement, Surrey Police said: "Police were called to Church Street around 2.15pm following reports that an altercation had taken place between a group of men.

"One of the men then got into his car, a white 1 series BMW, and is reported to have driven at two of the other men in the group."

Officers confirmed that they are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Springett said: “We understand that a serious incident like this has caused a lot of concern in the local community and we would like to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to establish what has happened.

“From our initial enquiries, it appears that an altercation has taken place, leading to a physical confrontation, which then resulted in one of the group getting into his car and driving at two of the other men.

“Tragically, this has resulted in the death of one man and left another seriously injured and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”

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