THE FAMILY of a motorcyclist who died in a collision near Whitby have paid tribute to a man who "always lived life to the full".

On Tuesday, August 20, John 'Johnny' Redhead was involved in a collision while riding his black Yamaha motorcycle with two other motorcyclists.

The 54-year-old was travelling from the direction of Whitby Abbey towards the village of Hawsker when was involved in a collision with a blue tractor which was travelling in the same direction.

The driver of the tractor, a 25 year-old man from the Whitby area, was uninjured but, sadly, Mr Redhead, from York, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a tribute to Mr Redhead, his family said: "Johnny was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and a great friend to so many.

“He was one of the most kind, funny, caring and likeable men you could ever meet and he always had a smile on his face and lived life to the full.

“We are all absolutely devastated and his loss is going to leave a huge hole in all our lives.”

Police are continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed or has dash-cam footage of the collision, which happened at around 5pm on Hawsker Lane near Whitby, to come forward.

It is believed that following the collision and before the arrival of emergency services, one of the other motorcycles left the scene without stopping.

On Thursday, August 22, a 27 year-old man from York was arrested in connection with the collision and a motorcycle was recovered. He has been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.

Traffic Constable Mark Patterson, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said: “I would like to thank the members of the public who provided first aid to the casualty at the scene and those who have already responded to our appeal, however I am still keen to speak to anyone who saw the collision, or saw any of the vehicles beforehand, or has any dash-cam footage to get in touch.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision or the events surrounding it is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or emailing mark.patterson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or Steven.James771@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk Please quote reference 12190153789 when providing information.