THE family of a woman who died in a crash on Weymouth Way have spoken of her ‘wonderful spirit, love and enthusiasm.’

Officers are renewing their appeal for witnesses and information about the fatal crash, which took place on the A354 on Saturday afternoon, and involved a bronze coloured Honda motorcycle, ridden by a 23-year-old motorcyclist, named locally as Max Fryman, pedestrian Jan Short, 63, and her dog Toby.

As a result of the collision all three died.

The family of Mrs Short released a statement, which read: “Janice Linda Short, 63, passed away on Saturday July 26, after a fatal traffic accident in Weymouth whilst she was crossing a road with her dog Toby, who was also lost in the accident.

“Jan, originally from Leighton Buzzard, moved to Weymouth with her husband Andrew to be closer to their family, after retiring as a teaching assistant 12 months ago.

“Jan and Andrew would have celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary in September. Jan was mum to three children, Adam, Emma and Caroline, and Nanna to her six adored grandchildren, whom she loved more than we can find words to express at this time.”

Mrs Short’s husband Andrew said: "Jan was the centre of our world and in a split second, tragically taken from us all. The love that her young grandchildren will now miss out on is a void we can only hope to fill by finding the strength to pull together as a family.

"Her wonderful spirit, love and enthusiasm will be missed every day by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her."

Police are renewing their appeal for witnesses to the collision, which occurred at the crossing point at the foot of the pathway from Goldcroft Avenue.

Police Constable Andy Loveless, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “Early indications are that the motorcyclist was travelling north, from the Swannery bridge location toward Chafeys roundabout, and the female pedestrian walked out to cross the road into the path of the motorcycle.

“The motorcyclist, the pedestrian and the dog all sadly died as a result of the injuries they received from the collision.”

PC Loveless continued: “The road was closed for several hours while police collision investigators carried out a thorough examination at the scene and the public are thanked for their patience while this time consuming but essential process took place.

“I would like to speak to any witnesses that have not already spoken to police and ask them to make contact Dorset Police on 101.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 26:395. Alternatively they can call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.