TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘loving husband’ and ‘legend’ who died in a crash in Weymouth last week.

The man, who was involved in the accident at the junction of Littlemoor Road and Louviers Road on Tuesday, June 23 has been named as Andy Cochrane, 50, of Broadmayne.

The emergency services attended the incident but sadly, Andy who was riding the motorcycle, died at the scene.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the collision which involved a white Vauxhall Vivaro van and a white Ducati motorcycle.

The family have now released a tribute paying tribute to a 'devoted' father and husband.

In a statement, the family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the devastating loss of Andy who was tragically killed in the motorcycle collision with a van in Weymouth on Tuesday morning.

“Andy was a loving husband and best friend to Julie – having spent 30 years together and a devoted father to his two daughters Hollie, 17 and Zoe, 15, who are missing their family immensely.”

Andy was born in Melmerby, Cumbria and was the youngest of three sons and moved to Dorset in 1981.

The family tribute also spoke of a funny and intelligent person.

It said: “He was an incredibly funny, intelligent, genuine and hard working person with a wicked sense of humour who always had a smile on his face.

“Riding motorbikes was Andy’s passion in life and he had his first motorbike aged five. He even arrived at the church on our wedding day on his bike with his best man and currently has five other motorbikes in his garage."

The family said that he would be sorely missed and paid tribute to a true ‘legend’.

“Everyone who knew Andy is in total shock and disbelief that he has been tragically taken, far too soon. This has left a huge hole in everyone’s hearts, which will never be filled. He will never be forgotten and will be hugely missed by all,” the tribute said.

“We would like to thank the emergency services that attended on that morning and for everything they did for Andy.

“Andy was and always will be a true ‘legend’ to everyone that knew him and will be loved and sorely missed forever.”

Police have said they would like to speak with the driver of a small bright yellow car which turned in to Louviers Road from Littlemoor Road at approximately 7.50am that day.

Police wanted to stress that this driver is not in any trouble.

A 44-year old man who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving has been released on police bail until the middle of August pending further enquiries.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 23:58.