A community is in shock after a popular rugby league trainer was killed in a tragic road accident in Bradford.

Edward McGuinness, who had worked as the fitness conditioner for Bradford Bulls and Salford City Reds, was walking across Huddersfield Road, Low Moor, when he was involved in an accident with a Vauxhall Corsa.

Three 18-year-old men have been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving in connection with the accident and were last night being held for questioning. Two of them were later relased without charge.

Friends of 43-year-old Mr McGuiness, who had been with him in the nearby Drop Kick pub, had rushed to his aid immediately but could not find a pulse.

Mr McGuinness, who celebrated the birth of his son only four months ago, was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Mr McGuinness, known affectionately as Eddie Mac, had been to watch the semi-final of the Bradford Cup on the day of the tragedy, Saturday, to support Sedbergh Rugby League Club, for which he used to play in the second row.

He then went back to the Drop Kick pub, where he was a regular, to relax with friends throughout the early evening. The accident that claimed his life happened outside the pub at about 9.30pm. Yesterday dozens of floral tributes, along with rugby league memorabilia, were placed at the accident scene by devastated friends and family.

Reece Spurr, a friend and former team mate of Mr McGuinness, said: “He was just a great guy who loved rugby league. It was his job and his life.

“He was a very popular guy around here. Everyone was just devastated when it happened and people are still not believing it.

“He was a conditioner who did a stint at Bradford Bulls and his last job was at Salford working with Karl Harrison.

“On Saturday, Eddie was in the Drop Kick after Sedbergh had played in the semi-final of the Bradford Cup. He follows us each week and he played here himself in the second row.

“I was already across the road and Eddie came out and hugged a couple of lasses to say goodnight, then stepped out into the road.”

Mr Spurr said Mr McGuinness was very happy with life and was enjoying the success of his business ventures and also spending time with his new baby son.

He said: “It was all going really good for him. He had a gym in Batley and him and Karl Harrison had gone into business together doing houses up.

“He had got a showroom in Cleckheaton for bathrooms and kitchens. He had just had a child as well, which was his first with his wife Tracy. He has got one to a previous partner.

“He was only a few months old, a boy called Connor.”

Mr Spurr revealed that Mr McGuinness’s brother, Joe, had celebrated his 40th birthday on the day the incident happened.

Inspector Darren Minton, of Bradford South Police, said: “A 43-year-old gentleman unfortunately died a short time after the incident.

“Three 18-year-olds have been arrested in connection with the incident.Inquiries are ongoing by the divisional roads policing officers and anyone with any information should call them on 0845 6060606.”

Mr McGuinness was the victim of a glass attack in 2002 for which the perpetrator pleaded guilty and was sentenced to community service.