Tributes have flooded social media for the motorcyclist who died in the Sandwich Bypass crash.

The man in his 40s has been named locally as Martin Shepherd from Deal.

Heartfelt comments left on his Facebook page depict him as a devoted husband to his wife Jean, who inspired many people for his recent 10 stone weight loss.

He was also known for his colourfully dyed goatees and love of his 'bandit'.

Leading the messages is Slimming World group leader Nick Luckhurst, who said: "The man was a complete gentleman and become a good friend of mine and many other members in Deal.

"I met him on his first night and watched him lose an astonishing 10 stone.

"My heart goes out to Jean Shepherd who attended with him many times and all of his family. The man will leave a massive hole in many peoples lives."

Claire Painter has described him as a "true gent" while Mandie Shepherd commented he was "one of life’s good guys."

Bridgette Goold wrote: "Martin was such an inspiration to many people at Slimming World and I am still extremely shocked to hear the very sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and especially Jean at this very sad time. "

Jo Stockhall wrote: "I’m absolutely gutted to hear this sad news. I didn’t know you for that long but you always gave me encouragement when I had a bad week at Slimming World, and made me smile with your colourful goatees."

Beverley Hurst said: "I know how much Martin adored you (wife Jean) and how much he loved life, the gym and his bandit."

Gary Breen said: "I'm absolutely shocked and gutted to hear this news. What a joker he was and the work he did to achieve his weight loss was commendable."

"What a joker he was and the work he did to achieve his weight loss was commendable..."

The crash involving a white Ford Transit van happened on the Thanet-bound carriageway of the A256 Sandwich Road, at 11.40am on Wednesday.

Mr Shepherd died at the scene and two other men involved received treatment at a local hospital.

The road remained closed until 7pm while police carried out their work.

Yesterday, officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) made an appeal for witnesses.

They would particularly like to speak to a van driver who is reported to have left a layby and joined the Sandwich-bound carriageway at a similar time to the collision.

Witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage, of either the collision or the vehicles just before the incident, should call the SCIU appeal line on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting HW/LB/63/20.

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