TRIBUTES have been paid to a motorcyclist who was killed by a falling tree.

Police say the 28-year-old was the victim of the freak incident as he was riding down Greatbridge Road in Romsey on Thursday evening.

Medical crews were called to the scene but were unable to save the injured man.

A spokeswoman for the South Central Ambulance Service said: “We were called to a road traffic incident at 8.23pm (on Thursday) involving a motorcyclist that was hit by a tree.

“A rapid response vehicle, ambulance and inspector attended the scene to assess the patient, but he was sadly pronounced dead on arrival.”

Police were also at the scene on the crash.

Although unable to name the rider, a Hampshire Constabulary statement said: “At around 8.30pm (on Thursday) the motorcyclist was riding along the road when it’s believed a tree fell on him.

“His next of kin has been informed.

“We will not be able to name the deceased until formal identification procedures are completed.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting Operation Zeal.”

On Friday morning, residents spoke of their shock and paid tributes to the biker.

“I’m in total disbelief that something like this could happen,” said Paul Matthews, who lives nearby the scene of the crash.

“It is nobody’s fault, the motorcyclist was just incredibly, incredibly unlucky. My thoughts are with his family.”

Another passer-by, who did not wish to be named, said: “The chances of this happening are so low; it is a shock that he has not just been hit by the falling tree but also died.

“I will be thinking of his family tonight and praying for them.”

Other tributes were paid to the man on social media.

One said: “Absolutely gutting – just a terrible tragedy. Wrong place, wrong time.”

A friend posted: “He was an absolute legend. So sad to an amazing person. We had great banter in and out of work. Full of comedy and jokes. RIP bud.”