TRIBUTES have flooded in for a football fan who died after being hit by a bus in Holland.

The 20-year-old was named by police yesterday as lifelong Hartlepool United fan Marc Purdy.

He had been in Holland supporting his team at their match against Eindhoven, on a pre-season tour on Friday night.

The accident happened near Amsterdam train station at about 12.30am on Saturday as he made his way back to to the city centre after watching his team win 2-1.

A keen Sunday league footballer, Mr Purdy lived with his family in Rilston Close, in the Naisberry Park area of Hartlepool. He played for the Camerons team in the Hartlepool Lawyers League.

Details have begun to emerge of the events before the death of Mr Purdy, who was one of about 100 supporters who travelled to Holland for the game.

It appears he had become separated from his friends when he collided with the bus while crossing the road. He was killed instantly.

One former Sunday league teammate posted a message on the In The Net - HUFC, an independent fan's website. He said: "He was liked by all and will be sadly missed by everyone who played with and against him on Sunday mornings, certainly by me."

Other messages of condolence came from football supporters groups and fans from Holland, Middlesbrough and Darlington. Supporters from clubs across the UK including Macclesfield and Portsmouth have also sent their condolences.

An Eindhoven supporter said: "What a sad ending for this lad. Our thoughts are with his family."

A spokesman for Hartlepool United said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to Marc's family and friends at this terribly sad time."

A spokesman for Amsterdam Police said the British Consulate was working to have Mr Purdy's body transported to Hartlepool.

He said police were still gathering witness statements and a review, the equivalent to an inquest, would be held in the coming weeks.

Mr Purdy's parents, John and Carol, could not be contacted yesterday, but were reported to be too upset to talk to the media. John Purdy is understood to have flown to Holland on Saturday night.

He was liked by all and will be sadly missed by everyone who played with and against him

Message on Hartlepool fan's website.