A flag outside the Red Funnel terminal in Southampton has been flown at half-mast after the death of a Bournemouth lorry driver. 

The HGV driver, a 40-year-old, died after a crash with a set of traffic lights on Town Quay. 

Police say the lorry had just turned out of the terminal when it crashed into the lights. 

Red Funnel have since paid tribute to their driver with its flag seen flying at half-mast on Sunday night. 

Fran Collins, CEO at Red Funnel, said: “All of us at Red Funnel are shocked and saddened by the passing of our colleague on Thursday morning.

"We are doing all we can to support the family at this sad time.

"I am proud of my Red Funnel colleagues, who responded compassionately and professionally throughout what was an incredibly emotional day.

"We ask for respect of the privacy of the family during their sadness and for the feelings of our team, who have lost a colleague and friend.”

The crash took place as festivalgoers headed to the Red Funnel terminal on their way to the Isle of Wight on Thursday morning.

Bournemouth Echo: Flags flown at half-mast outside Red Funnel terminal.Flags flown at half-mast outside Red Funnel terminal. (Image: Newsquest)

The road was closed for around two and a half hours as emergency services dealt with the incident.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the collision.

Red Funnel experienced delays of around 15 minutes with motorists told to avoid the area.

The ferry operator resumed normal service at around 10am with the road being reopened at 8.30am.

Anyone with information about the incident, should contact police by reporting online or by calling 101 quoting reference 44230236833/Operation Gerrera.