FRIENDS have paid tribute to a 23-year-old former nightclub bouncer who died after being knocked down by a car.

Nathan Demeur was enjoying a night out with friends at the time of the accident. He suffered multiple injuries and died five days after being taken to hospital on November 4.

The 16-stone body-builder, who lived in Gillingham, was crossing Corporation Street, Rochester, shortly after leaving the Casino Rooms with his friend Wayne Brooker, 32, when he was hit by a car.

Mr Brooker, a father of two, said: “We were crossing the road as the traffic lights just turned green but Nathan only managed to get to the middle of the road.

“I had just made my way across when I heard a bang and saw Nathan lying on the road. I phoned the police and ambulance who both arrived very quickly but no one else stopped and cars were driving around us to carry on.”

Nathan was a familiar face to revellers in Medway as he worked on the doors at Amadeus, the Casino Rooms and the George Vaults.

He had only lived in Medway for two years but had made many friends.

Mr Brooker added: “I haven’t known him that long but he was the kind of guy who would do anything for anyone. He was extremely popular and even though he had only lived here a couple of years he knew a lot of people.

Tributes to Nathan have also been left on the Casino Rooms website. One message reads: “You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. You are going to be missed by all of who had the pleasure of knowing you. Such a top bloke xx.”

The funeral will be held in Exton, in Oakham, Leicestershire, on Friday at 2pm. Anyone wishing to attend or send floral tributes should contact the Casino Rooms on 01634 832888.

* Police would still like to hear from any witnesses to the accident. Call 01622 600 970.