THE heartbroken family of a popular dad who was knocked down and killed by a police car are appealing for help to ensure that they can give him the send-off he deserves.

Father-of-two Aston Mclean died instantly when he was hit by a marked police 4x4 as officers responded to reports of a burglary at a motorbike store earlier this month.

As his family anxiously wait for answers about the circumstances surrounding the Hampshire-born 28-year-old’s death, they are trying to raise enough money to pay for his funeral.

His grieving dad Neil, who lives in St Mary’s, is appealing for any help to make it the perfect send-off for his son, while Aston’s family in Reading are organising a fundraising event to help with the funeral costs at their local boxing club on August 31.

As previously reported, the IPCC is investigating the collision which killed Aston and injured a police officer, in the early hours on August 6.

Thames Valley police were responding to reports of a burglary when Aston was hit by a marked police car in Wokingham Road.

Construction worker Aston had grown up in Southampton, going to St Mary’s Primary School, before moving to Reading with his mother, however he was regularly in Southampton, where he still has many relatives, including his dad and seven brothers and sisters.

Taxi-driver Neil paid tribute to his son, who has two children, Dejan, 1,0 and Jodice, 4, describing him as a fun-loving guy who always had a smile on his face.

Now it is Neil’s focus to ensure that his son gets a proper funeral, once his body is released from the coroner.

He said: “We are all in limbo. Not being able to say our final goodbyes is really frustrating but we know that the investigation has to take priority.

“Aston was a lovable family man who would do anything for his family, so that is why we are fundraising, to make sure that he gets the funeral he deserves.

“I will be fundraising to try to get together the money we need to say a proper goodbye and any donations will be welcome.

“I have had so much support from so many people – they know who they are – and I will be thankful from the bottom of my heart for any support we can get to pay for the funeral.”

Anyone who would like to help can call Neil on 07780 856696.