Police name man hit by vehicle

A 55-year-old man was killed after being hit by a white taxi van on the eastern boundary of the Canterbury town of Springfield about 3am today.

Peter Charles Van Groe, from Ashburton, had appeared in front of the van, which was slowing down and about to enter Springfield.

The driver had been heading back to pick up some friends from a dance party.

Darfield police Constable David Pitkethley said initial investigations found the driver to be without fault.

"He was unable to avoid the collision, in fact he wasn't even aware the person was there."

The driver, who was traumatised, came back straight away to give assistance and to call the police, Mr Pitkethley said.

Further police investigations are being carried out.

There were no witnesses.

- NZPA