A FORMER Parachute Regiment and Intelligence Corps solider has been named as the victim of a fatal hit and run crash in Swindon.

Kenneth Kiley, aged 75, died at the John Radcliffe Hospital on Monday, a day after he was hit by a blue Vauxhall Corsa which was driven off.

Two men have since been arrested on suspicion of murder.

In a tribute his family described him as a warm, gentle and unassuming man who was popular, made friends easily and liked to crack dad jokes. He was looking forward to becoming a grandfather.

"He loved nothing more than spending time with his loving wife Marion and two sons Adam and Matthew, reading his history books, teaching German classes to his friends in Swindon and playing long distance chess with an old army colleague,” said the statement released by Wiltshire Police.

"He spent much of his life in service to his country, first with the parachute regiment and later with the intelligence corps and the army reserves. He travelled the world with the army and lived in Hannover, Germany with his wife for several years where his eldest son was born and where Ken and Marion made lasting friends both among the army and the local Hanoverians.

"Ken had recently supported his wife to recover from a serious illness and they were looking forward to continuing to enjoy their well-earned retirement traveling the world with friends and spending time with his family. He was so happy to give away his daughter in law when she married his son last summer and was so looking forward to being a grandfather.

The statement added: "Ken’s death has shocked and devastated his wife, family and friends and will leave an enormous hole in all our lives.”

On Tuesday night a 24-year-old from London was arrested and taken to custody at Gablecross Police Station. A man of 21, arrested shortly after the incident on Sunday night, has been bailed while the investigation continues.

The crash happened at the junction of Southernwood Drive and Westfield Way at 8.50pm. Mr Kiley was a passenger in a Toyota car that had been struck by Corsa.

Anyone with information, including those who may have dash cam footage, is asked to contact the major crime investigation team on 101 quoting Operation Manner.