Dean Dawson, 24, was hit by a car outside The Elephant and Castle pub on Westgate at about 3.15am on Sunday.

The driver of the car, which was believed to be a small, dark-coloured Renault, failed to stop and drove away after turning onto Drury Lane.

Mr Dawson was rushed to Pinderfields Hospital where he died at around 10.30am.He had been on a night out to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

Laura Warnock, 22, who was Mr Dawson’s partner of eight years, has not yet been able to tell their three-year-old son, Alfie, his dad was dead.

She said: “Dean was absolutely beautiful. No-one could ever replace him – as a partner, a son or dad. He was the best ever. He was a lads’ lad who turned into a real family man when his son was born.

“Every single second he could, he spent with us. We were always together, just doing normal things together. He loved being with me and Alfie.”

Mr Dawson was an electrician and a talented footballer.

He was the captain of Hamilton Panthers FC in his home city of York for many years.

Shirts and jackets from teams Hamilton and Ainsty Panthers have been left on Westgate along with balloons and flowers.

Among the tributes were messages from his friends and team-mates.

One, left by friends Gav and Jo, read: “To Deano, a great lad, a great mate, a great dad. A not so great sparky! A legend.”

On a signed Hamilton football jacket, Tosh and Vix wrote: “Forever in our hearts and minds, we will never forget you. Love always.”

A 35-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of motoring offences, has been released on police bail.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 01924 293259 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.