TRIBUTES have today been paid to a 22-year-old man who died after he was hit by a lorry on the A14.

Carl Samuel suffered “severe” head injuries after the accident in the eastbound carriageway of the trunk road on Saturday evening.

The section of road was closed for five hours as police officers investigated the fatal accident in which the man, from Dagenham, was killed.

Emergency services were called to the A14 at around 5.40pm near to Stratton Hall, between the Seven Hills interchange and the Brightwell and Kirton turn-off.

A Suffolk police spokesman said officers received reports of a collision between a male pedestrian and a lorry.

Witnesses told of around 10 cars stopped by the side of the road, and said there appeared to be an object like a body in the middle of the dual carriageway.

Several police cars attended and officers closed the road at Seven Hills.

Officers could be seen walking up and down the carriageway as if searching it and examining an embankment and field at the side of the road.

The police spokesman confirmed a section of the road remained closed for several hours as collision investigators scoured the area for evidence.

He said a 22-year-old man was taken to Ipswich Hospital with head injuries but was declared dead at the hospital in Heath Road.

The spokesman named the 22-year-old as Carl Samuel, from Dagenham.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said the man had suffered “severe” head injuries.

Over the weekend friends and family of Mr Samuel paid their tributes to the hip-hop musician on a social networking site.

The Facebook group In Memory of Carl Samuel aka Haystee, was set up by Mr Samuel’s cousin.

Paying his respects on the site Tension Samuel said: “If you knew Carl you know that he always had his people back and he was a joker and loving brother to his sisters and the perfect cousin to his family.

“There was no one like you, Carl. You were very special and hope god looks after you up there and make sure you watch over your family and protect us like you did when you was here.

“We’re all truly heartbroken. You were like my little brother. I took you under my wing and I’m truly lost without you.”

Police officers are appealing for any witnesses to the crash to come forward as they try to piece together what happened. The road reopened at around 10.40pm on Saturday.

If you saw the accident please contact Sergeant Bob Patterson at the serious collision investigation unit on 01473 613500.