The family of a man who was killed in a crash on the A35 have paid tribute to a 'well-known and loved member of the Bridport community.'

Steve Spear, 64, died when the Mitsubishi pick-up truck he was driving was involved in a collision with a silver Mercedes convertible on Sea Road South, close to the Crown roundabout, on Monday night. 

Steve’s family has issued the following statement: “Family and friends are devastated by the loss of Steve Spear who was tragically killed in the crash on the A35 in Bridport on Monday night.

“Steve was a well-known and loved member of the Bridport community. He was a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother and friend to many. A big personality who will be hugely missed by many people in the town and beyond.

“We ask for privacy at this time while we come to terms with our loss.”

Emergency services were called at 11.15pm on Monday to reports of a two vehicle collision on the A35 Sea Road South.

Three men aged 30, 32 and 35 from the Bridport area, all occupants of the Mercedes, suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. 

A 33-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, both from Bridport, were arrested on suspicion of driving offences and have now been released without charge.

A 30-year-old local man, who was also arrested on suspicion of driving offences, is still assisting officers with their enquiries.

Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage or CCTV covering East Street or Sea Road South in Bridport between 11pm and 11.15pm on Monday 13 November 2017, to come forward.

Residents spoke of hearing bangs and what sounded like an explosion as two vehicles were involved in a collision.

At the scene, a car appeared as though it had crashed into a wall while another vehicle was on its side with severe damage.

Local residents were awoken by the sound of the crash and emergency services attending the scene.

Sheila Benwell said: “I heard what sounded like an explosion followed by an hour or so of a helicopter. At first I thought it might be something to do with the RNLI then somebody said there had been a bad accident.”

Christine Turner said: “I didn’t hear the bang, but my dog started barking and then I saw police and the fire brigade as well as a helicopter, which was flying around for ages. Obviously they had a job to do.”

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We heard the crash at around 11.10pm, it sounded like an explosion or a rocket going off. The emergency services came at around 11.15pm. The helicopter must have been out for more than two hours.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident.

Sergeant Joe Pardey, of the traffic unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner of driving of either vehicle immediately before the incident to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would also ask anybody who was in the area at the time to consider any dashcam or CCTV they may have which could assist us in our investigations.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting reference number 13:412.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org