THE Hindu community of Swindon and beyond has rallied behind a grieving family following the death of a much-loved friend.

Father-of-two Sridhar Munnaluri was knocked down by a private hire taxi in Corporation Street on Saturday evening. 

He was taken to the Major Trauma Unit at Southmead Hospital but sadly died the following day. 

Tributes have been paid to Mr Munnaluri who leaves behind a wife and two young daughters, aged just five months and eight years.

His family are now dealing with the unexpected loss but they are not doing so alone. 

The Hindu community, centred around the Swindon Hindu Temple, has come together to support them both emotionally and financially as they make arrangements for the funeral and for life in the future. 

A fundraising page set up to support Mr Mannaluri's family raised £10,000 within two hours of being launched. 

As of 6pm, the total was fast approaching £12,000 and reached £26,000 on Tuesday morning. 

The team at the Hindu Temple, led by chairman Pradeep Bhardwaj, are also working closely with the police and the Indian High Commission as preparations are made to hold a funeral back in Mr Mannaluri's native country of India. 

Paying tribute to his friend, Mr Bhardwaj said: "Sridhar was a very religious Hindu, a fond neighbour and one of the most adored local tennis club members. 

“As a community, we are trying everything possible to help the family going through these most difficult times here and the extended family in India.

“Needless to say, the whole community is in shock and very anxious as it happened right in the heart of the town.

"We urge the entire community to extend as much support you can to the family and stand together.”

To join the fundraising effort for Mr Mannaluri's young family, visit mydonate.bt.com/events/supportsridharfamily/449299