Family tribute to Christchurch man who died after a bus collision

The family of a Christchurch pedestrian who died following a collision with a bus in Christchurch have paid tribute to their “kind and thoughtful” loved one.

Dorset Police received a report at 8.43am on Wednesday 3 December 2025 of the collision in Somerford Road.

The pedestrian sustained very serious injuries and was taken to hospital. Very sadly, he died on the morning of Saturday 6 December 2025.

He has been named by his family as 73-year-old Richard Parker.

His family said in a statement: “Richard was a kind and thoughtful person. He was a loving brother and uncle and will be greatly missed by us all.”

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Team are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of the collision.

A 36-year-old man from Poole, who was arrested on suspicion of driving offences following the incident, has been released under investigation as enquiries continue.

Anyone with information about the collision or dashcam footage is asked to contact Dorset Police online, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55250177675. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.