Springboks fan mown down on pavement

A South African rugby fan was killed by an illegal immigrant in a road accident in London after celebrating his team's triumph in the World Cup.

Hugh Morton, 34, an accountant for BP, was run down when a car mounted the pavement as he walked home only hours after seeing South Africa lift the Webb Ellis trophy with his brother at a bar in Wimbledon.

Paramedics were called to the scene but Mr Morton, who lived in nearby Raynes Park, was declared dead when they arrived.

A man was appearing in court today. A police source said he was an illegal immigrant who had been refused asylum.

Today Mr Morton's family told how they are still struggling to come to terms with their loss - and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

His brother Craig Morton, 28, an IT specialist, who lives in Surbiton, said: "Hugh was genuinely the most generous, caring person I knew. He was always thinking of others before himself. He was very special and everyone who knew him would tell you the same. He was loved by everybody.

"My friends used to joke: 'Craig, you're a nice person, but you're brother's better.' And you know what? They were right."

Originally from Grahamstown in South Africa's Eastern Cape, Mr Morton moved to England three years ago. A talented sportsman, he played cricket and tennis for two Wimbledon clubs and was passionate about rugby.

He was studying to become a chartered accountant and had just put down a deposit on his first house.

His sister, Nicky Napier, 35, a accountant who also lives in Surbiton, said: "He was so soft-natured and gentle. He was the first to fill your glass up if it was empty and he would always hold doors open for you. I keep expecting him to walk through the door and kick his shoes off."

On the night he died Mr Morton, known to his friends and family as "Hugs", had been celebrating the Springboks' victory in a bar in Wimbledon High Street.

As he walked past the junction of Kingston Road and Sandringham Avenue, near Wimbledon Chase railway station, a Fiat Bravo swerved off the road and mounted the pavement, hitting him directly. He was killed at 4.25am on Sunday, just a few minutes away from the house he shared with three friends.

His brother said: "The police came around to my house that morning and told me that Hugh had been involved in an accident. I said I'd go to the hospital to collect him but they told me it wasn't like that. It was the worst day of my life."

He added: "I'm devastated but he's gone on a high. South Africa had finally won the World Cup and we had a great night. He was the type of guy who lived for his sport. To see South Africa win the World Cup was the cherry on the cake. It was very special to him.

"I want to appeal to anybody who knows anything to come forward and help the police piece things together. If you saw anything at all, even if you don't think it's much at all."

Anyone with information is asked to call the witness appeal line on 020 8941 9011.

* Jimmy Katende, 28, from New Malden in Surrey, was charged with causing death while driving without due care and being under the influence of alcohol. He was due to appear before Wimbledon magistrates today.