Dad killed on way home from Liverpool match

A dad killed in a crash while driving home from a football match has been described as a "ray of sunshine" by his family.

Neil Bradley, from Oldham, had been to watch Liverpool's match against Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday evening (November 9).

While driving home after the game, the 59-year-old's car crashed into a wall and lamppost on Lister Drive in the Fairfield area of Liverpool at about 10.15pm. Mr Bradley, who is originally from Liverpool, later died in hospital.

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No other vehicles were involved in the incident, Merseyside Police said. In a moving tribute, Mr Bradley's family said: “Neil had an insatiable thirst for life and often enjoyed running, trainspotting, listening to rock music and supporting his boyhood club Liverpool.

"He was a ray of sunshine and could light up any room with his jokes. A loving father, son, brother, husband and friend to many. He will be missed dearly.”

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, Lead Investigating Officer from Merseyside Police's Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with Neil’s family at this devastating time and our specialist family liaison officers are supporting them.

“We are continuing to investigate the collision and the events leading up to it. I urge anyone who witnessed or has information on this incident which will assist the investigation to please contact us.

“Neil had been to the Liverpool v Aston Villa match at Anfield and we believe he had parked his 2015 red Ford Focus near to Newsham Park/Orphan Drive.

“At around 10.15pm, he was driving his car to return home when this incident happened on Lister Drive. I would like to appeal anyone who may recall seeing a red Ford Focus in the area at the time to please contact our officers.

“Also, we ask that anyone who was in the area and has dash camera fitted to their car to please review your footage or contact our team so that we can do so. Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant it may appear, could assist us in providing answers for Neil’s family.”

Anyone with information or footage that may assist police should call the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter quoting reference 24000953003.