Another man is expected to appear in court next week charged with murder.

Tributes have been paid to a “loving, caring and fun” man who tragically died after a car was reportedly driven at him deliberately.

Martin O’Donovan, 46, was left with serious injuries after the incident in Woolton, Liverpool, at around 11.45pm on Friday, April 18. He was rushed to hospital, where he later died.

41-year-old Stephen Bates was arrested at the scene on Stonyhurst Road, and has since been charged with murder. He remains in custody ahead of an appearance at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 22, the Mirror reports.

A statement issued by Mr O’Donovan’s family reads: Mr O’Donovan’s family said in a statement: “Martin was a loving, caring, fun, and intelligent son, brother and uncle, who would light up any room with his humour and presence.

“He lived life by his motto ‘keep smiling’ and was highly devoted to his family and friends.

“An accomplished engineer and skilled outdoorsman, he was well-read, well-travelled, and full of light, and his wonderfully joyous spirit will live on in everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

“We are devastated that he has been taken from us in such cruel and senseless circumstances, and as we process such an overwhelming loss, we take solace in the fact that he will always be remembered for the remarkable man that he was.”

Local residents reported hearing a “commotion” in the street around the time of the incident.

After hearing the crash, some were gathered outside as the police arrived on scene.

Part of the road remained cordoned off on Saturday afternoon as enquiries continued. Detectives were seen knocking on doors, while a blue forensics tent was erected in the middle of the road around the car involved.

Merseyside Police earlier requested that anybody with relevant information to contact the force via its social media desk on X or Facebook, via its the website, or by calling 101, quoting incident reference 25000317232.