TRIBUTES have been paid to a young American airman who was killed after driving the wrong way on the A14 and crashing head-on into a lorry.Senior Airman Julious Hawkins, 24, died instantly when his vehicle burst into flames after the collision in the early hours of Friday morning.

TRIBUTES have been paid to a young American airman who was killed after driving the wrong way on the A14 and crashing head-on into a lorry.

Senior Airman Julious Hawkins, 24, died instantly when his vehicle burst into flames after the collision in the early hours of Friday morning.

Military chiefs yesterday paid tribute to the victim who was assigned to RAF Mildenhall's 100th Maintenance Squadron - as it emerged he might have been driving the wrong way on the A14 for more than 12 miles.

Major John Franklin, squadron commander, said: “Not only was Senior Airman Julious Hawkins a valued member of the maintenance squadron, but his efforts and dedication to duty directly contributed to the success of our wing and the Air Force. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.”

Col Michael Stough , 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, added: “Anytime we lose a valued member of team Mildenhall, it affects each and every one of us.

“This incident is a tragic reminder of just how fragile life is and how in a moment's notice we can lose someone close to us. Our deepest sympathies go out to the friends and loved ones of Airman Hawkins.”

Originally from Stockbridge, Georgia, Airman Hawkins arrived in Suffolk two years ago having joined the Air Force in 2002. While assigned to the base, Airman Hawkins worked as an aircraft sheet metal technician.

The airman was travelling west in the eastbound lane between the Bury St Edmunds central and west exits before colliding with a lorry.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and base officials said they would now await investigation reports from Suffolk police. A memorial service for Airman Hawkins will take place this week at the base chapel.

Meanwhile, three servicemen from RAF Lakenheath remain in a critical condition in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, after the BMW car they were travelling in collided with a tree on Saturday night.

A fourth person from the base - also involved in the single vehicle accident in Undley Road, Lakenheath - was yesterday described as “stable”.

Anyone with information about the accidents should contact Suffolk police on 01284 774100.