TRIBUTES have been paid to a 21-year-old who died following a crash in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Jasper Collins, of Ringwood Road, Bransgore, died in hospital following the single vehicle collision on Crow Lane, shortly before 2am.

The white Volkswagen Scirocco was reportedly travelling southwards when it left the road and collided with a tree, ending up in a ditch at the side of the road.

Jasper’s mum, Anne Collins, has paid tribute to her “kind, cheeky, funny” son.

She said: “As you can imagine, we are devastated, heartbroken. No words can sum it up. Just 21 years old, now forever young.

“Thank you for your kind words, they do mean so much. It helps to receive them.

“Jasper was truly a good boy – I would say that wouldn’t I but it is so true.

“Adrian and I were incredibly proud of him. So kind, cheeky, funny, and such a dear friend to so many.”

Mourners gathered on Tuesday to remember him at the Elm Tree pub in Ringwood.

“I am told the pub was absolutely full all day yesterday as they gathered to be a comfort to each other,” Ms Collins said.

“I’ve seen the videos cheering him and the flowers and the cushion Jasper made for Jack, which was so typical of Jasper’s humour.

“A tragic car accident but please do know and take comfort that Jasper was asleep immediately and had no pain.

“I was by his side in hospital and all the staff at Southampton General Hospital were truly amazing. Our thanks to them all for all they did to try to help him.

“Our love to all his family and friends, who are all going to miss him so much,” she added.

Investigations into the collision are ongoing.

Sergeant Andy Gwyer, from Hampshire Constabulary, has been appealing for any witnesses, or anyone who might have seen the white Volkswagen Scirocco being driven prior to the collision, to contact police.

Residents of Crow Lane said they were awoken by the sound of the crash at around 1.50am and immediately called 999.

Witnesses and anyone with information can contact police by calling 101, quoting reference ‘44170304869’. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously.