Tributes have today been paid to ‘happy and outgoing’ Beccles motocross rider Tom Pattison who was a “pleasure to be around”.

East Anglian Daily Times: Tom Pattison, who died while competing at Blaxhall Circuit on September 13Tom Pattison, who died while competing at Blaxhall Circuit on September 13 (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

Mr Pattison, 23, died whilst competing in the Eastern Centre Motocross Championship at Blaxhall Circuit on Sunday.

He lived with his wife and young daughter in Beccles, wore number 183 and was a former pupil of Sir John Leman High School. He died following an accident at the circuit shortly before 1pm.

One of his best friends and fellow motocross rider Shaun Southgate, 21 from Elmswell, said: “We both had the same outlook on life. We never cared about tomorrow. It was always just live in the moment and that’s what he did.

“He was the most happy, outgoing bloke ever, just a pleasure to be around.

“It was absolutely devastating.”

For more than 50 years motocross has been held at the popular Blaxhall circuit, and the Woodbridge & DMCC, which is run totally by volunteers, is said to have been left “devastated” by the tragedy.

Earlier today, they released this statement: “Tomas was a regular competitor at the Blaxhall Circuit and was also competing in the Eastern Centre Junior Motocross Championship.

“The Woodbridge & DMCC would like to offer their sincerest condolences to Tomas’s wife, daughter and family along with his many close friends, both inside and outside of the sport at this very sad time.”

A statement released by Suffolk Coastal District Council said: “This is a tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this young man at this time.

“We will work closely with other agencies, including the Health and Safety Executive, to assist the police with their investigation into this incident, advising on any relevant health and safety issues. The results of this investigation would be reported direct to the coroner and form part of the evidence at any inquest.”

Suffolk police said yesterday that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident and that a file would be prepared for the coroner.

For more tributes to Mr Pattison, see tomorrow’s East Anglian Daily Times.