SHOCKED friends of the Bournemouth man killed on the A31 on Wednesday night have paid tribute to him.

Daniel Robins, 31, of Alumhurst Road, was identified today as being one of two riders involved in the crash on the westbound carriageway close to Picket Post at around 6.15pm.

The second rider, a 47-year-old man from Broadstone, remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Former school friends took to Facebook to pay tribute to Daniel.

Marc Watts posted: “Such sad news. RIP Dan Robins. Another sad loss from the class of ’98. Stay strong guys.”

Nick Dearden said: “Shocked at another person being taken from that year at Hardley School. Little sporting superstar whose mum treasured him so much. RIP dude and thinking of all the boys who have lost another school brother.”

Wade Horton said: “Such a top bloke who will be missed by so many. Can’t believe another friend was taken from us far too soon. RIP Robins you legend.”

Alice Burch said: “One of my life-long best friends was tragically taken from us. Just last Sunday we were sat eating, joking, laughing, hugging and planning the year. I miss you so much already. RIP Dan Robins.”

Greg Livermore called Daniel “one in a million” and added: “Heaven has gained an angel far too soon.”

The collision and subsequent police investigation caused the road to be closed and many drivers were stuck until the early hours of Thursday morning.

Hampshire Police were criticised by motorists and the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Hayes, for not dealing with the situation properly.

Drivers complained of a lack of organisation, with many stranded without access to food, water or even a toilet.

Mr Hayes also called for an investigation into restoring gaps in the central reservation that would allow police to release traffic trapped in tailbacks.

Before the crash, both riders had been held in a queue of traffic while police officers dealt with reports of a horse that had got loose on the carriageway.

Police were advising motorists to proceed carefully, a spokesman said.

As reported, that element of the incident was referred by Hampshire Constabulary to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Tonight, Mr Hayes confirmed that the IPCC had decided to hand the matter back to Hampshire Police to investigate internally.

The horse was also killed in the crash.

It is being investigated by the Road Death Investigation team and anyone with information about it is asked to contact them at Eastleigh police station on 101, quoting Operation Hedingham.