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Police have confirmed they were en route to a report of a pedestrian in the central reservation of the A469 on the night a man was struck and killed by a car.

Craig Walding, 37, from Nelson was hit on the dual carriageway between Llanbradach and Ystrad Mynach on Boxing Day and died at the scene.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the collision which happened at around 8.30pm.

A 33-year-old man from the Herefordshire area was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released under investigation.

Commenting on a Gwent Police Facebook post, several people said they had seen a man walking along the A469 at the time.

Caerphilly Observer asked the force what time it received the first call and when were officers dispatched to attend.

In a statement sent to Caerphilly Observer, a spokesperson for Gwent Police said: “We received the first report of a man walking along the central reservation of the A469 at 8.30pm and once the circumstances had been relayed to the operator (what’s happening/where etc), officers were immediately dispatched to the area.

“I cannot give you the exact timings as it’s an active investigation, but I can assure you that officers were dispatched while still on the phone with the reporting person and it was within the first few of minutes of the call.”

“Diamond”

His family, in a tribute released through the police, described Mr Walding as a “true diamond”.

They said: “It is with immense sadness that we as family have to announce the loss of our beloved Craig.

“Craig was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend who was loved by so many.

“He was a true diamond who leaves such a deep hole in all our lives.

“Words cannot express the pain we are feeling, and we would like to thank everyone for the love and support we have received.”

Mr Walding worked for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board in its smoking cessation team.

In a tribute posted to Facebook, the heath board said: “Craig was a much loved member of our smoking cessation team and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

“Our thoughts are with Craig’s family members, friends and colleagues at this devastating time and we send our deepest condolences.

“His colleagues would like to highlight how much of a pleasure it was to have Craig as part of their team. He was a very kind, caring, unique special individual – a big character with a heart of gold, a one of a kind who would never fail to make you smile.”

Motorists, with dashcam footage, that were using the A469 between 7.30pm and 9pm are being asked to contact Gwent Police.

The force would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen a black Nissan Juke being driven in the area on the evening of Monday 26 December to contact it.

People can call 101 or message Gwent Police on social media quoting log reference 2200430883 with any details.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.