A MAN killed in a road crash involving a fire appliance at the weekend has been named by police.

Darren Mark Harvey, 25, of Portsmouth Road, Woolston, Southampton, died from his injuries after his car was involved in a collision with a fire appliance on the A337 at Lyndhurst.

He died at the scene of the crash, which happened at 10.56pm on Saturday evening.

Darren's family have now released the following tribute: "Darren was a popular young man, who had a cheeky smile.

"A proud Dad, a loving son, brother and grandson who recently married and was taken from us far too soon. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A mother's love is eternal."

"Darren was a truly dedicated and loving husband and father, as well as a passionate car enthusiast.

"He lived for his wife Becky, and his two young boys, liking nothing better than to spend time with them and make them laugh.

"A kind young man, Darren would do anything for anyone, and was much loved within his family. His untimely death leaves a void in his loved ones' lives, that no words can describe."

A file is being prepared and will be passed to HM Coroner.

Daily Echo: The scene of the crash

The incident involved a fire appliance from Winchester and a Ford Puma.

A spokesman for Hampshire Fire & Rescue confirmed the fire engine was not operating under emergency conditions and had been returning from a call out.

They had been called to a gas leak at a Co-op petrol station in Wellworthy Road, Lymington, where they and other crews evacuated the area and isolated the leak.

The crew, who were called out from Winchester, were returning to the city when they were involved in the crash.

The vehicle was a fire engine carrying specialist equipment for dealing with hazardous materials.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting Operation Mulberry.