TRIBUTES have been paid to a motorcyclist who died in a collision on the A31 in Corfe Mullen on Sunday morning.

The 31-year-old biker, named locally as Alan Wright, was found lying in the road by a member of the public after he was thrown from a grey Yamaha bike at around 12.30am in the single-vehicle RTC.

It is believed that he struck a bollard while riding near St Hubert’s Church, before colliding with a safety barrier running alongside the road and then an embankment, with his bike thought to have been found a short distance away.

Brightly coloured flowers left at the scene carried notes paying tribute to the biker, which read: “For Alan. Always missed and forever in our hearts xxxxx” and “To Alan, A good friend, you will always be remembered. RIP. Love Craig (Blakey) + Stacey.”

On the Echo’s Facebook page, Joe Furmage said: “Words can’t describe the loss. RIP my old m8” and Sara Burns wrote: “Absolutely shell-shocked at this news, buddy. You were one of a kind and always made everyone laugh. RIP Al xxxxx”

Martin Wills made a post which said: “RIP buddy. Couldn’t believe it when I found out it was you, mate. 20 years of friendship gone in an instant.”

A spokesperson from Dorset Police confirmed that police and ambulances rushed to the scene but the victim could not be saved, after sustaining serious injuries.

The A31 was closed overnight from the A350 Poole Road Roundhouse Roundabout to the B3078 Lake Gates Roundabout, while police carried out their investigations, before it was re-opened at 9am on Sunday morning.

The Rev Pamela Walker of St Hubert’s Church previously told the Daily Echo that prayers were said for the motorcyclist, his family and the police officers who attended the scene, during Sunday’s services.

Witnesses and anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 22:12.