Tributes have been paid to 21-year-old Craig Downs, who was killed in a crash on the A351 on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old from Poole, died at the scene from his injuries. Dorset Police say the IPCC has been notified "due to the fact a marked police vehicle was in the vicinity of the Ford Focus at the time of the collision".

His family have today issued the following statement: “Nothing can express our devastating loss.

“Craig was loved so much by everyone that knew him. He was a happy-go-lucky lad with the kindest heart.

Bournemouth Echo:

“He will be greatly missed by his Mum, Dad, three sisters, two brothers and his beautiful daughter, nephew and niece and all his many friends and family.”

Several bunches of brightly-coloured flowers have been left at the scene of the crash and on a Facebook page for Craig Downs, kind words were flooding in from scores of the former Lytchett Minster School pupil’s close friends.

Bournemouth Echo:

He has been described as a loving young father of a baby and treasured friend to many.

The accident happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning around 50 yards from St Michael's Garage, just after a bend on the A351 at Harmans Cross.

Bournemouth Echo:

Neighbours reported hearing an "almighty bang" around 2.20am as the car, a Ford Focus, smashed into the electricity pole and a garden wall of a detached property lining the single carriageway road.

Police closed the road for a number of hours afterwards, to enable collision investigators to carry out their work. It reopened just before 2pm.

Bournemouth Echo:

A villager, who asked not to be named, told the Daily Echo: "One of my neighbours heard the crash this morning, he said it was an almighty bang.

"I've lived here since 1959 and we've had lots of accidents over the years on that particular corner.

"Cars used to run into our hedge, but ever since the camber of the road was altered they seem to go off on the other side of the road."

"We are used to accidents happening here."

Bournemouth Echo:

Engineers from SSE were also called to the scene to replace the electricity pole.

Dorset Police said: "This incident was not a police pursuit. Officers were in the vicinity at the time of the road traffic collision and in line with normal procedures the IPCC has been notified."

Police forces are required to notify the IPCC of deaths where there has been "any kind of contact" with a police officer.

Witnesses should contact Dorset Police on 101.