TRIBUTES have been paid to a driver who collided with a van.

A number of residents tried to resuscitate Michael Betts, after he collided with a parked van in Chandler's Ford last month.

Police are still appealing appealing for witnesses after the 52-year-old died in Belmont Road.

Hampshire Police confirmed officers were called at around 6.25pm on Saturday, January 20, after reports of a collision between a Mercedes and a parked Ford Transit.

They said the driver of the Mercedes was pronounced dead at the scene.

Eye witnesses said they believed the victim may have suffered a medical episode whilst driving, but police were unable to confirm this.

Retired Richard Brocklesby, 81, lives nearby and said that Belmont Road was cordoned off between the junction with Leigh Road and Cox Row.

He said: “The road was closed for over two hours. Officers took pictures of a car and somebody said the man in the car had a heart attack.

“I saw the flashing lights from my window and I could see three big vehicles.”

Another resident, who lives nearby but does not wish to be named, said Mr Betts, who was from Bournemouth, was driving along Belmont Road.

He said: “Residents tried to resuscitate him.”

Following the news Mr Betts’ family paid tribute: “Mick was caring, loving, kind, and always helpful to others.

“He was a selfless man and was devoted to his partner, as well as a loving son, brother, uncle and friend.

“We are devastated but he will always be in our thoughts.

“He lived life to the full and we will miss him every day."

Mr Betts worked at Romanza in Bournemouth, a restaurant run by the family of his partner.

Central Hampshire senior coroner Grahame Short, based in Winchester, has been informed and an inquest was due to have been opened.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44180025990.