THE family of a motorcyclist killed in a horror head-on crash in Hampshire have spoken of their loss at his death.

Bernard Ryder was killed when he came off his red Honda motorbike on the A35 in the New Forest and collided with a van coming the other way.

The 50-year-old, from Waltham Crescent, Southampton, died at the scene, close to Station Road and the Holmsley Tea Rooms, Holmsley.

Today, Hampshire police released a statement on behalf of his family, paying tribute to Mr Ryder.

They said: “Bernie was one of those rare people who touched the hearts of everyone he came into contact with. “Easy going, kind, unassuming, he was also a talented musician and passionate about motorbikes. “He will be missed hugely by everyone who knew him.”

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the crash, which happened at 4.17pm on Saturday as Mr Ryder was travelling towards Lyndhurst.

The driver of the white Mercedes Vito van, a 36-year-old man from Leatherhead, Surrey, was shaken but uninjured.

Anyone who saw the collision, or Mr Ryder just prior to it, should call Sgt Andy Lynch at the Road Death Investigation Team at Eastleigh on 101, quoting Operation Larch.