A GRIEVING family today paid tribute to a Hampshire countryside ranger killed when he was crushed by a tractor.

Peter Butler suffered fatal injuries when he lost control of the open-topped tractor he was driving, which was towing a trailer, as he drove down a steep hill.

The 24-year-old was thrown from the tractor which collided with a business premises before it came to rest on top of him, causing fatal crush injuries.

The tragedy happened in Lith Avenue, Horndean, at about 3.55pm on Friday.

Peter, a wildlife management student at Sparsholt College, who lived in Fareham Park Road, Fareham, was pronounced dead at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.

Now his parents have paid tribute to the man they said loved working outdoors and would be "missed by everyone who knew him".

In a statement they said: "He loved working at a number of Hampshire County Council nature reserves and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

"He volunteered at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park where he helped educate children and took part in school visits, which he enjoyed very much."

Peter, who enjoyed photography, film-making and music, and was described by his loved ones as an "avid reader", had also been employed by Horndean Parish Council and quickly meshed with the team.

His family said the council were "extremely impressed with his knowledge" and that he had become a valued member of the countryside team.

They said: "He was very much a member of the team."

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident and wish to speak to anyone who has any information which could help with their investigation.

Anyone with information should contact Cosham Roads Policing Unit on 0845 045 45 45.