TRIBUTES have been paid to a keen sportsman and motorcyclist from Essex who died in a crash in Walton.

Elliot Furniss

TRIBUTES have been paid to a keen sportsman and motorcyclist from Essex who died in a crash in Walton.

Niall Cutts, 36, of Boxted, died when his black Suzuki motorbike was involved in a collision with a silver Toyota Corolla on the B1336 Walton Road at about 5.45pm on Sunday.

Last night, his parents Brian and Olive paid tribute to their “caring and loving” son as police renewed their appeal for witnesses to the crash.

Niall was born and grew up in Colchester, attending Boxted Primary School before moving on to St Helena School and Colchester Sixth Form College.

He started work at the Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society before transferring after a year to work as an administrator at the Colchester Co-operative Society, now known as the East of England Co-op. In the last year, he had been working in the Ipswich branch in a managerial position.

A statement from Niall's parents read: “We couldn't have had a better son. He was very caring and loving.

“He did a lot in his short life. Although he has gone at an early age, he lived his life to the full.”

They said Niall had a keen interest in autograss racing and was a member of Concord Autograss Club Essex in Danbury.

He achieved many successes in the sport during his nine years and the trophies displayed in his parents' house are testament to his success.

He also played both squash and badminton at Earls Colne Recreation Club and also loved skiing, snowboarding and golf.

Tributes to the experienced rider were also pouring in to an internet forum on his autograss club website.

Mick Stallard described him as a “great guy” who always had a smile and a word of encouragement for those new to the sport.

He said: “A true autograsser who will be missed by all. Concord will not be the same.”

Another friend, Paul Hassell, said: “Niall was a good racer and a bloody good mate and will be very sadly missed. Our love and prayers go out to his parents and family.”

The driver of the Toyota, a 64-year-old man from Walton, was uninjured, but Niall, of Hobbs Drive, was certified dead at the scene.

A section of the road was closed for four hours while emergency services dealt with the incident scene and debris was cleared from the road.

Anyone with information in connection with this crash is urged to contact investigating officers at Stanway Road Policing Unit on 01206 762512.