A BUILDER who died from injuries suffered while on a night out in York with friends was probably killed by a hit-and-run driver, police revealed.

Home Office pathologist Professor Chris Milroy said Andrew Hickox died from a single blow to the head, consistent with being hit by a vehicle.

A post-mortem examination revealed that the 42-year-old, who was found collapsed in Lower Friargate in the early hours of Sunday morning, had suffered a fractured skull.

Detectives today launched a wide-ranging investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and have begun scouring CCTV footage of vehicles travelling through the city centre streets.

Police officers have also begun interviewing taxi drivers and restaurant workers.

Posters detailing the last movements of Mr Hickox have been released and are being distributed in the city centre.

Detective Sergeant John Roberts, of York CID, said the response from members of the public so far had been "quite poor" and he urged anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident to contact the incident room on 01904 618503.

Mr Hickjox, a father of three, of Beech Street, Elland, near Halifax, died at York Hospital yesterday, without ever regaining consciousness from the injuries he suffered four days earlier.

His parents, Harold, 75, and Doreen, 72, had maintained a bedside vigil at York Hospital.

Mr Hickox, who lived alone, had two brothers, John, 45, and Peter, 41, both of Halifax.

Mr Hickox was on a visit to the city with three friends on Saturday night. The group visited a number of pubs, including Yates's Wine Lodge, in Low Ousegate, at about 10.30pm.

He somehow became separated from his friends.

Mr Hickox was found by passers-by at about 1.15am on Sunday, with serious head injuries.

Detective Sergeant John Roberts of York CID said: "Some other things including an assault cannot be ruled out."

Updated: 11:12 Friday, July 25, 2003