THE daughter of a man who died after trying protect his friends during an armed robbery has paid tribute to her “loving, caring and heroic” father.

Grandfather-of-four Tim Smith suffered a serious head injury when he fell onto a low wall at a house in The Drive, Hullbridge, last Sunday.

The 53-year-old is thought to have stepped in to help friends who live just a short distance from his own home in Alfreda Avenue.

Mr Smith was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridgeshire, but sadly later died.

One man has been charged with robbery and another with possession of criminal property, namely cash. A third man is still wanted for questioning.

Mr Smith, a big family man, live with his heartbroken wife Lesley, and had two daughters Shellie, 33, and Natalie, 26, and four grandchildren. A third daughter, Jackie,35, died four years ago this month.

Daughter Shellie Smith, 33, said he was a “perfect dad” and she was “proud” that his last moments were ones of extraordinary bravery.

She said: “This has been devastating, you always think your dad is going to be there for you. He was always a perfect father, he was kind and caring.

“He didn’t like bullies and not many people would have stood there and did what he did. My dad risked his life to try and help his friends.

“He’s a hero and I’m proud to say I’m his daughter.”

Mr Smith was a keen football player and amateur singer - with a particular love for Elvis.

He previously lived in Stanford-le-Hope and worked as a roofer, at the BP oil refinery in Corringham and at Tilbury power station.

Mr Smith was later made redundant and used the cash to buy Pitsea-based firm Doors, Floors and Stairparts, which he ran with his family until his death.

He was well-known on the Hullbridge social scene and was a regular at The Anchor pub and the village social club.

Miss Smith, who lives in Romford, said her father was a “karaoke king” who would always belt out the real King’s hits at social gatherings.

She said: “He was a very active person and could never sit still- unless it was to watch his Elvis films.

“He always used to sing Return to Sender and every time there was karaoke he would get up and sing. He always got everyone dancing.”

Miss Smith was at her father’s bedside in hospital and said a decision was taken by the family to donate his organs.

She said: “When I was told he was in hospital I just broke down in tears - I wanted to know what happened and why it happened. There are still so many questions that we need the answers to. It’s frustrating.

“We don’t even know how long he went without oxygen, but it was a long to make him brain dead.

“He wouldn’t have wanted that. He wouldn’t want people running after him, doing everything for him. He was a very active person.

"I think he would have wanted his organs to save someone else. He tried to fight off people to protect his friends, so I’m sure that he would have wanted to save other people’s lives.”