A MOTORCYCLIST who was killed in a crash in north Essex has been named as 37-year-old Derek Foster from Winstanley Road, Saffron Walden.

The collision happened in Hempstead when a red Honda CBR 125 and a grey Ford Focus struck each other on the B1054 between Boytons Lane and Water Lane shortly after 7am yesterday (Wednesday).

Mr Foster’s family have paid tribute to him in a statement.

“Derek was an uncomplicated and placid man. He loved nothing more than spending time with his wife and two beautiful daughters, Hannah, eight, and Esme, five. He had a passion for playing golf and he was proud to have earned his recent handicap.

“Born in Doncaster he joined the army at Carver Barracks and met his future wife Rachel on a night out in Saffron Walden. When he resigned from the army he stayed in the area, where he and Rachel set up home together and later brought their children into the world.

“He worked as a welder/fabricator and had many work colleagues who had become good mates he could share a laugh and a joke with.

“He died tragically - with his motorbike at his side, another of his recent joys in life.

“He was loved by many for his calmness and laid-back approach to life – his loss is immense and he will be sorely missed.”

A 29-year-old man from Haverhill is currently on police bail until Wednesday, August 22 pending further enquiries. He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

A section of the road was closed for seven hours while forensic collision investigators carried out their enquiries and debris was cleared from the road.

Police have since renewed their appeal for witnesses and have asked anyone with information in connection with the crash to contact Essex Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.