THE family of a cyclist who died following a crash last week, have paid tribute to him.

Stephen Wightwick, 38, died following a driver's failure to stop after colliding with him in Buckhurst Hill in the early hours of Thursday, December 1.

Police have confirmed a 36-year-old man from the Southend area was arrested on Saturday morning on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after a collision.

He has been released on bail pending further enquiries until March 27.

Mr Wightwick's family said he will "be sadly missed by his wife, son, parents, sisters, nephew and wider family and friends."

He has been described as "a loyal, honest and very hard working devoted family man, an old fashioned charming gentleman who was loved by everyone and loved being a father."

The tribute continued: "Steve grew up in East London and attended St Bonaventures Secondary School before graduating at Leicester University with a degree in Politics, History and Economics.

"He went on to work as an independent researcher for the Mirror newspaper, he was then a full time father for three years before starting work for the Royal Mail.

"Beside his family, Steve’s passion in life was a wide range of music and he collected records. He also loved cricket, football and cooking.

"Steve did all the cooking and his son will really miss his dinners."