THE MOTORCYCLIST killed in a road crash on a Hampshire motorway earlier this week has now been named by police.

Robert Simmonds, 49, of Blackmoor Walk, Havant, died after he was involved in a crash near junction five of the M27 at 6.40am on Wednesday.

The Suzuki Bandit motorcycle he was riding was in collision with a high-sided skip lorry or similar and Mr Simmonds was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, his family said: “The family are devastated by this tragic news. Rob was an experienced motorcyclist and loved to live life to the full. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.”

A driver of a waste truck later contacted police and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop. The 50-year-old from Southampton was bailed until September 18.

Police are continuing their appeal for information about the collision and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed it or saw any vehicle involved prior to it.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Roads Policing unit, quoting Operation Santawood, on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.