A MOTORCYCLIST who died on the A49 near Ashton on Sunday has been named as Christopher Jones from Ludlow.

The 37-year-old,was travelling towards Ludlow when he came off his Honda motorbike and was thrown onto the verge of the road, near Ashwood Farm, shortly before 2.15pm on Sunday.

Emergency services were called, but Mr Jones was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police say that it appears that no other vehicle was directly involved in the accident.

The A49 was closed for several hours following the crash as officers conducted investigative work.

It’s understood Mr Jones was a petty officer for 846 Naval Squadron and leaves a wife Kerry and 10-day-old daughter Scarlett. He grew up in Bettws, near Ammonford, South Wales, and was known to his friends as “Taff or “Papa".

“Chris has been a very good friend and mentor to myself and many other people,” said his friend Paul Vokes.

“Words cannot begin to describe the sadness we feel at the loss of one our best friends.”

Russ Clark added that he got to know Chris when he was in his 20s and had fond memories of a cheeky, fun loving person, while Dave Isaac said that he will always remember the holiday where Chris met Kerry.

“He was a genuine, funny guy and a good mate,” said Dave, “This is truly a sad loss and my deepest sympathy goes to Kerry and Scarlett.”

Anyone with information about either crash should call police on 0300 333 3000.