TRIBUTES have been paid to a “lovely, caring and generous” man who died after a late-night crash.

Ben Ghafoor, 25, was driving a Vauxhall Corsa on Winchester Road, Chandler’s Ford, when it left the road and crashed into a tree near Peverells Wood Avenue at about 11.30pm on Monday.

Mr Ghafoor was rushed to Southampton General Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The Daily Echo understands he worked in car body repairs, had a five-year-old daughter and had just moved to a new house in Wyndham Drive, Romsey.

One of his neighbours, who did not wish to be named, said he was originally from Chandler’s Ford and they were classmates at St Francis Primary School and Toynbee School.

She paid tribute to him and said: “I knew him since we were kids. I’ll always remember him on prom day, he was there looking out for everybody, making sure everyone was okay and had fun.

“He was just so generous. I’ll bring all these memories with me forever.

“What happened is heartbreaking. He was caring and he loved his daughter.”

His family also paid tribute to him and said: “Ben, words cannot explain how much we will miss you. Most beloved father, son and brother, forever in our hearts.”

Yesterday several bunches of flowers were left near the tree where the incident happened on Winchester Road.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 11.27pm.

A spokesperson for South Central Ambulance service said Mr Ghafoor was the only occupant of the car and was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition.

Pauline Rhodes, 68, lives metres away from where the incident happened.

She said officers cordoned off the green area between Winchester Road and Roman Close. She added: “There were officers picking up stuff from the floor and the tape was everywhere.”

Police are urging witnesses to call 101 quoting Operation Gill.