POLICE believe a driver was speeding before he fatally hit a Southampton man, although the decision was taken not to prosecute.

Matthew Byrne, 26, was crossing Winchester Road, in Shirley, when he was hit by a grey Vauxhall Astra.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Byrne suffered serious injuries following the collision, including rib, arm, leg and skull fractures.

He was pronounced dead a short time after the morning rush-hour incident at Southampton General Hospital.

Samantha Harris, who was on her way to school at the time of the collision, told the inquest that she had been waiting to cross the road at the junction with Anglesea Road alongside Mr Byrne.

Spotting a gap in the traffic Ms Harris stepped into the road, but heard “a loud engine” and stepped back.

However, Mr Byrne, of Norham Avenue, Southampton, was listening to music through earphones and continued to cross.

Despite attempts from Ms Harris to get his attention, he was struck by the car.

The inquest heard that although the driver of the Astra, Shane Wyatt, would have had little time to react, it is estimated he was driving between 33mph and 43mph on the 30mph road.

Forensic collision investigator PC Antony Clifford adding that he estimated the speed was “towards the middle of that”.

Giving evidence, Mr Wyatt believed he wasn’t going too fast.

He said that he had braked and tried to avoid Mr Byrne on the morning of January 27 last year.

At the time of the incident police confirmed they had arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

But the inquest heard the CPS had decided not to prosecute.

Recording a conclusion of death due to a road traffic collision, coroner Grahame Short praised members of the public who had tried to save Mr Byrne’s life, including former Hampshire police special constable Matthew Langwith.

Speaking after the inquest, Mr Byrne’s mum Liz paid tribute to her son.

She said: “Matthew was a blessing since the day he was born eight weeks premature.

“He grew to become a selfless, kind, intelligent, extremely funny and cheeky young man.

“Our thoughts and gratitude go to Matthew’s devastated close friends and colleagues.

“We will never get over what has happened.

“We would urge drivers to slow down, and to think about the potential hazards involved in driving on residential roads.

“It’s 30 for a reason.”