TRIBUTES have been paid to a Basildon grandfather who died in a motorbike crash in Wales.

Nigel Darwood, 53, has now been named by north Wales police as the rider.

Mr Darwood’s family have paid tribute to the “dedicated family man” following the fatal crash near Johnstown, Wrexham.

No other vehicles were involved.

A number of emergency services attended, including an air ambulance, but Mr Darwood was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation is underway into the crash.

A spokesman for Mr Darwood’s family said: “Nigel was a hard-working and dedicated family man. He was a loving husband, father and grandad.

“He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.”

The one-vehicle crash, which involved the motorcycle being ridden by Mr Darwood, happened shortly before 5pm last Wednesday on the A483 off slip onto the B5426 Johnstown.

Police in Wales said their thoughts remain with Mr Darwood’s family and have urged anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or anybody who has dashcam footage of the crash or the build up to it, to get in contact straight away.

Sgt Darren Newby of the roads policing unit: “Sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, Mr Darwood was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our thoughts remain with his family at this difficult time.

“The investigation into the collision is ongoing and we continue to appeal to anybody who may have been travelling northbound on the A483 at around the time of the collision or anybody who has dash cam to contact us.

“I’d also like to thank all those people who have already been in touch.”

Anybody with information is asked to contact officers at the Roads Policing Unit in Llay via 101 or via the live web chat quoting reference number X096824.