FRIENDS of a student mown down by a stolen car on a night out in Liverpool have paid tribute to the practical joker who will be sorely missed.

Andrew O’Neill, 20, had been a student at John Moores University for little more than a month when he was killed in the early hours of Saturday.

The second year student had transferred from the University of Ulster in his native Northern Ireland, but those who knew him during his short spell in Liverpool last night said he would leave a lasting memory with them.

Mairead Doyle and Shona McAleer, fellow students living in the Atlantic Point halls, off Leeds Street, said: “We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to ‘Chubby’s’ family and friends back at home.

“Knowing Andrew has been an absolute pleasure. We will never forget his brilliant sense of humour and great outlook on life.

“There was never a dull moment when Chubby was around, he was always up for the ‘craic’. Atlantic Point won't be the same without him. He will live on in our memories forever.

“A true friend and one of the kindest lads about. We miss him already and we will continue to support each other through this tough time.”