The family of a 31-year-old man who died two days before Christmas have paid a moving tribute to him, describing his loss as having left a “huge hole” in their lives.

Ryan Wilson, from Newmarket, died on December 23 after his Peugeot Bipper van was involved in a collision on the B1112 in Eriswell.

Emergency services were called to the collision, with fire crews from Mildenhall, Brandon and Methwold helping to free an occupant of a vehicle shortly after 3am.

On arrival, they found that Mr Wilson’s van had overturned.

Despite the efforts of the emergency services, Mr Wilson died at the scene.

The road between the Lords Walk Roundabout at Lakenheath and the Mildenhall turn-off towards Eriswell was closed for most of the morning while initial investigations were carried out.

Mr Wilson’s mother, Sophia Bettoney, has now paid tribute to her son, saying his death has left a “huge hole” in the lives of those around him.

She said: “It hurts to think of a future without Ryan, he was my boy and he had come so far in recent years, I’m so proud of him.

“I hope he knows just how loved he was, by me, his sister, his step dad and all of his family and friends.

“He’s left a huge hole in many lives and words can’t describe how heartbroken we are.

“We love you Ryan, we miss you. Rest in peace darling.”

Concerns had been raised previously about Eriswell’s roads.

Colin Noble, Suffolk county councillor for Eriswell, said on Twitter that he would be asking Suffolk Highways to look at road safety the village again.

Mr Noble said: “The issue of safety is taken very seriously and the village is within a 30mph speed restriction zone.

“I shall make sure the Suffolk Highways safety team look into circumstances of the tragic accident to see what we can learn to help improve safety.”

Data from Suffolk police has revealed that the number of fatal collisions on Suffolk’s roads in 2018 has dropped by nearly 50% on the previous year.

Despite the drop in road deaths, Inspector Chris Hinitt, from Suffolk and Norfolk’s Road Policing Unit, said any death was one too many.

“Suffolk Constabulary remains committed to doing all it can to reduce the number of people who lose their lives as a result of collisions,” he said.