TWO people were killed in a tragic accident on one of Weymouth’s busiest roads.

A 23-year-old motorcyclist from Weymouth, named locally as Max Fryman and a 63-year-old female pedestrian, also from Weymouth, were involved in a collsion shortly after 5pm on Saturday.

Both died at the scene.

The pedestrian’s dog was also killed.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said the victims' next of kin have been informed and are being supported by police family liason officers.

Residents and local figureheads have spoken of their shock and sadness at the incident, which happened close to the spot tragic five-year-old Lily-Mae Jeffries was struck in 2012 on the A354 Weymouth Way.

Friends of Max Fryman have left heartwarming tributes to the former Wey Valley School student.

The road was closed from Chafeys roundabout to Swannery Bridge for around five hours as emergency services worked.

It is believed the pedestrian was crossing the road to get to Goldcroft Road when the fatal incident occurred.

Police were on the scene within minutes and cordoned off the area, diverting traffic via Goldcroft Road.

Motorists were told to expect heavy tailbacks whilst the roadblock remained in place.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was also called and landed at around 5.30pm, but it was not needed.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “Immediately prior to the collision a large, bronze-coloured Honda motorcycle was seen to travel from Westwey Road junction towards Chafeys Roundabout. During this journey the motorcycle collided with a female pedestrian and a dog, causing fatal injuries to all three.

“Any witnesses to the riding of the motorcycle or the movements of the pedestrian who have not already spoken to police are asked to contact PC Andy Loveless of the Weymouth Traffic Department by calling 101."

Officers thanked the public for their patience while investigators worked.

HEARTFELT MESSAGES LEFT TO TRAGIC BIKER

POIGNANT tributes have been left to biker Max Fryman on social media.

Friends changed their profile pictures to Max and many have left heartfelt messages.

One, James Braithwaite, wrote: ‘Rest in peace Max Fryman still trying to believe this has happened to such a nice guy, you will be well missed but never forgotten for all the good times out on the bikes and up the jumps. So take it easy up there and keep on the wheelies. My thoughts and condolences are with the family. Ride on buddy.’ Stacey Harrison said: ‘My thoughts go out to both families. Max you are now gone far far too early RIP mate gone but not forgotten. Xx’ Tom Robson said: ‘RIP mate will be sadly missed.’ Residents have expressed their condolences to the families of both victims.

On Facebook Karen Loader said: “Very sad, our thoughts are with the families.”

Judith Garrett said: “God bless them and their poor families.”

Daz Severn said: “Terrible news. My heart goes out to their friends and family at this time. God bless.”

Ella-Louise Jones posted: “(It’s) so sad. Thoughts and prayers to families.”

Diane Dallison said: “Another tragedy, my heart goes out to all concerned.”

Shirley Martin said simply: “So tragic.”

Tania Jones commented: “It’s just so tragic that it has claimed two lives. RIP to those people and thinking of the families at this very sad time.”

  • Leave your tributes at dorsetecho.co.uk

SADNESS AMID APPEALS FOR BETTER SAFETY ON THE WEYMOUTH WAY

THE ACCIDENT has triggered calls for more safety measures along the 50mph stretch of road.

Weymouth and Portland Borough mayor Kate Wheller has vowed that she will be looking at ways to make the road safer.

She said: “It is particularly sad that the incident has happened when steps were taken to remove the hazard from there and again we have had another tragic accident.

“I feel very sorry for the families involved and send my condolences to them and I will be speaking to the county highways team to see exactly what happened, and to see if there is anything we can possibly do to make it safer.

“It’s always a hazard when you have vehicles and pedestrians together, you can’t attribute blame to either when there is an accident, you have to find some way to make it safer for both pedestrians and motorists to share the same space.”

Before Lily-Mae Jeffries and her family were struck in March, 2012, a campaign was set up for a safe crossing place amid fears that someone would be killed.

Since then, three crossing islands have been installed on Weymouth Way between Chafeys roundabout and Westham Crossroads and a crossing facility – a toucan crossing – has been built to the north of the roundabout following consultation with residents.

Funding was obtained from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, the Department for Transport Cycle Safety Fund and Dorset County Council’s Local Transport Fund.

But local feeling since Saturday’s tragedy is that more needs to be done to prevent any more deaths.

Derek Hanger has been campaigning for 10 years to make the roads safer in the area, and helped obtain more than 1,000 signatures for a petition about the safety of the Weymouth Way in 2011.

He said: “None of these roads are safe in my eyes. The whole set up is wrong.

“There should be a maximum speed limit of 30mph on all of the roads and there should be cameras to enforce it.

“If we could get the traffic slowed down, that would be adequate in keeping the roads safer. They have built all these new roads and put motorway-like speeds on them.

“There is no incentive for people to drive safely down there. The speed limit needs to be lowered and it needs to be enforced.”

Hundreds of people have taken to social media to express their views, with many saying they would like to see a footbridge installed and others questioning the speed limit of the road.

Stephen Bithell said: “Very, very sad. The road was put across a public footpath. Only after a tragedy have authorities put a crossing in. Should have put in a bridge or subway when they built this race track, but lives are cheaper.”

Echo website user Hrw-Amen commented: ‘It is so sad to see people killed regardless of if they are pedestrians, drivers or riders.

“It does seem to me to be a very dangerous spot, as a driver (and rider).

“Approaching it you can never be sure if there is anyone about to cross until you are right on top of them when it is far too late to do anything about it if they step off the curb.’ Darren Churchill said: “So sad, that road needs to be sorted out, it’s like a race track; explain that to the families who have just lost people tonight, thoughts with the families and friends.”

Mandy Stubbs said: “Almost the same place as before.

“The road needs a bridge, please no more traffic lights. Very sad.”

Jemma Massey said: “More stars shining in the sky at night thanks to our poor Dorset roads.”

Sheila Hunn said simply: “This road is so very dangerous.”

IT'S AN 'ABSOLUTE TRAGEDY'

MARK Tewkesbury, chairman of the planning and traffic chairman at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “It is an absolute tragedy and I’m devastated to hear that another two lives in Dorset have been lost on Weymouth roads.

“A lot of work has been put into the cycle lane and the changes they have made there have been made since the little girl died at the same spot.

“If there are any measures we can do to make the road safer we will look into them.

“My thoughts go out to all of the families who have suffered from the losses of the two people involved.”