TRIBUTES have been paid to a “proud and dedicated” father who was killed when his motorbike collided with a van.

Annie Davidson

TRIBUTES have been paid to a “proud and dedicated” father who was killed when his motorbike collided with a van.

Andrew Bird died at the scene of the accident in Woodham Mortimer, near Maldon, on Friday morning.

The 45-year-old was riding a blue Triumph Sprint motorcycle which collided with a white Volkswagen box van at the junction of the B1418 Southend Road and Mill Lane at just before 6am.

The driver of the van, a 43-year-old man, from London was uninjured in the accident and was arrested and questioned on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but has been released on police bail until June pending further enquiries.

A section of the road was closed for seven hours as police investigated the cause of the accident.

Yesterday Mr Bird's wife, Catharine Bird, paid tribute to him.

“Andrew was a dearly loved husband, son, brother and friend, and proud and dedicated father to his two sons aged 15 and 10,” she said.

“Andrew had been riding motorbikes since he was 16 and was a member of Essex Advanced Motorcycle Group, passing his advanced motorcycle test in March 2005.

“Andrew worked for an engineering company in South Woodham Ferrers for the past 20 years.

“The family do not wish to publish details about the funeral at this time and it will be a close family and friends affair.

“All the family members are going to miss Andrew greatly.

“The family request to be left alone and allowed to grieve at this very difficult time.”

Mr Bird lived with his family in Lucas Avenue, Chelmsford.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Chelmsford road police on 01245 240625.