THE PARENTS of a York medical student today paid tribute to their "passionately committed" son who died in a road traffic accident.

The tragic loss of Robert Morton, 21, who was a student of the Hull York Medical School, came as a devastating shock to both his family and to fellow York students.

Mr Morton's family, who are from Malmsbury, in Wiltshire, have said they "were devastated at the loss of their son."

A memorial fund in Mr Morton's name has been established and it is expected to fund an annual prize for an HYMS student.

Mr Morton's parents, Pat and Phil Morton, and his sisters Fiona, 19, and Helen, 17, said: "We are drawing strength from the support of his friends. He was passionately committed to a career in medicine and we are extremely proud that he went to Hull York Medical School."

Professor Ian Greer, Dean of HYMS, said: "We are shocked and deeply distressed at Bob's loss."

In a statement, Humberside Police said they received a call from a motorist at 3:37am on Tuesday, reporting a collision between a lorry and a pedestrian on the westbound carriageway of the A63, Clive Sullivan Way, in Hull.

The vehicle, a Scania articulated lorry in blue and white, was being driven by a man from Beverley, who was treated for shock but released later that day.

Fire, ambulance and police were all called but Mr Morton was pronounced dead at the scene.

A funeral service for Mr Morton is due to take place on Friday.