TRIBUTES have been paid to the motorcyclist who died after a crash in Penhill last night, named locally as 28-year-old Luke Chapman.

Flowers and candles were lit at the scene of the fatal crash where his motorcycle collided with a Peugeot 208 as it pulled out at the junction of Durnford road and Penhill Drive last night.

Messages to remember the keen motorcyclist, known as Lispy to friends, were written on cards and an England flag was tied to a nearby tree with marker pens for friends to pay their respects.

A Facebook group, R.I.P LISPY (Luke Chapman), has also been set up.

Sarah Jane Arnold wrote: “Sleep tight mate. Gone but never forgotten. You have been from us way to young. Fly high babe. R.I.P. My thoughts go out to his family.”

Donna Royal wrote: “I was in Luke’s year at school, I’m still in shock. He was a great kid, he will be deeply missed by everyone. My thoughts are with his friends and family.”

Penhill Drive was closed for more than four hours while collision investigators examined the scene and recovered the vehicles.

Some residents expressed concern at the level of traffic that comes down Penhill Drive and the lack of road markings on Durnford and Corsham road.

One resident on Penhill Drive, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s a rat-run, it’s dangerous down here. Cars just come racing down here. It’s so sad what’s happened.”

Police arrested the Peugeot driver, 24, and have took him to Gablecross Police station to continue their investigation.

They are appealing for witnesses following the incident. which happened at around 8.00 pm. Anyone with information can call PC David Williams in the roads policing unit on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.