TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a father-of-four killed in a crash in Dorset.

Motorcyclist Andrew Mann was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which also involved a van and a dropside lorry.

Mr Mann, 40, lived in Poole and leaves behind a large family.

In a statement, they said: "Andrew, the beloved son of Tom and the late Mandy Mann, died tragically in a motorcycle collision.

"He leaves behind four devastated children and two loving and heartbroken sisters. Also hurting today are his grandmother, his nephews and nieces and other family members, friends and work colleagues.

"He will be missed so much by so many. The children and family need time to process and grieve and would ask that their privacy at this time be respected."

Mr Mann was riding his Kawasaki motorcycle when the collision took place on the A31, outside Henbury Stud Farm, near Sturminster Marshall, at 8.46am on Tuesday April 30.

His family are now being supported by specially-trained officers from Dorset Police.

The occupants of the white Ford Transit panel van and a white Citroen Relay lorry did not suffer any serious injuries.

The A31 was closed between the Roundhouse roundabout and the Lake Gates roundabout for more than seven hours to allow for investigations to be carried out.

A man has since been arrested in connection with the crash.

A 41-year-old man from Poole was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and perverting the course of justice.

He has since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 30:70.