A pensioner from Halesowen has died after being knocked down by a car while out walking in Surrey.

Retired electrical engineer Gwilym John, aged 86, was struck by a Mazda in Oxted, police said today.

Mr John, of Thornhill Road, had been visiting his son Hywel, his daughter-in-law Helen and two grandchildren Carys, 14, and Owain, 12, in the run-up to Christmas.

The widower, who hailed from Swansea, had lived in Halesowen for more than 40 years. His wife Mabel died in March 2006.

Mr John’s son Hywel, 48, today described his father as “a true Welshman who has remained active throughout his life.”

He said: “No matter where he went during his life he always stayed true to his family roots. He was a wonderful man.”

Paramedics treated Mr John at the scene of the accident on Friday but there was nothing they could do to save him.

A witness appeal has been launched by officers at Surrey Police who are investigating the collision, which happened at around 4.15pm.

The crash was voluntarily referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission as a police vehicle was in the vicinity at the time but it has now been referred back to Surrey Police.