THE family of university student Ben Elliman have paid tribute to their ‘dearly loved son and brother’ after he was killed in a collision on the M6.

The 19-year-old, from Swindon, died when his Ford Focus collided with an HGV shortly before 6.30am on the southbound M6 near to junction 10 on Sunday, March 16.

His family said: "Ben was a dearly loved son and brother who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

"He was a caring, thoughtful person and we ask you to respect our privacy at this difficult time. Thank you."

Collision investigators are investigating the circumstances of the crash which left the southbound section of the M6 between junctions 10a and 9 closed for almost five hours.

Sergeant Neil Higgins, is leading the investigation. He said: "This is a significant collision which has sadly cost a life and our thoughts are with those affected.

"If we’re to fully understand what happened and to provide answers for Ben’s family, I need anyone who may have seen the incident and who has not yet spoken to officers to call West Midlands Police on 101."

The 54-year-old male lorry driver, from Erdington in Birmingham, was left "badly shaken" and, after assisting officers at the scene, was taken home, according to the police.