A POLICE investigation is underway after a Southampton man died in a motorbike crash.

Kane Morgan was riding a motorbike in woods in Lordshill when he struck a tree and was pronounced dead at the scene by ambulance crews.

The incident saw a huge police and ambulance presence in the area as they rushed to the woods behind Matheson Road.

The 22-year-old had a large family and lived with his grandfather, who is known as Pop.

Kane's family said: "Kane enjoyed riding motorbikes and he died doing something he loved.

"He was a fun-loving free spirit who enjoyed life.

"Kane loved his family and will be sadly missed by many."

Police vehicles were seen parked on Matheson Road and Buchanan Road, and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was also called.

Hampshire traffic police have appealed for information to try to discover how the accident happened.

It is understood the crash comes just a month after Mr Morgan, from Cherwell Crescent, Millbrook, had celebrated his 22nd birthday.

A witness told the Daily Echo how she heard the sound of a revving engine cut out in the woods.

She said: “I heard a boy riding around, kept revving the engine and then I heard the engine cut out.

“We saw the police and saw a helicopter landing.”

“He was riding through the woods, there are tracks down here and people often ride down it. I just heard the engine, he was revving and revving and I heard the engine cut out.”

A dad-of-three from Buchanan Road added: “We saw the police down there and a neighbour said that someone had died. We know it was a lad.

“It is a shock, somebody has lost a son, you do not wish it on anyone.”

Another resident in Lordshill told of the huge police presence, and said “What has happened could not have been any worse, my older daughter knew the lad, they used to play with him.”

A Hampshire Constabulary spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that a 22-year-old man has died after the motorbike he was riding crashed in woods in Southampton.

“Officers were called to the woods behind Matheson Road at around 2.45pm on April 14.

“It’s believed the man had been riding in the woods shortly before the accident and that no other person or vehicle was directly involved.”

Friends staged a memorial balloon launch over the weekend to remember Mr Morgan.

A Go Fund Me internet page has been set-up by friends in his memory to pay for his funeral and give him “the send off he deserves” which had a target of £500 but last night had already raised £750.

Scores of floral tributes and balloons has been left by two trees at the scene of the crash.

One tribute said: “Always in our hearts, still can’t believe your gone mate, ride high buddy.”

Another said: “You were taken far too early and you did not deserve this, you left us doing what you did best.

Friends and family also took to social media where they also paid tribute to the Millbrook man, one person wrote: “R.I.P Kane. My heart goes out to the family big time.”

One man wrote: “Going to be missed mate your laughs your craziness, your attitude, a sound lad, a legend always with us.”

Another woman wrote: “You’re gone but you will never be forgotten and now you know how much you really were loved.

“You touched many people’s lives and that’s something that can never be forgotten.”

Another person suggested a ride-out to remember Mr Morgan, he said: “Everyone should get involved and get the bikes out for not just my friend but many of people who knew Kane Morgan. He will be forever missed and for sure I’ll be getting the bike out – get involved people.”

Mr Morgan’s family, were too upset to talk.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Hampshire Roads Policing Unit on 101.