HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a ‘beloved’ teenager who died following a crash near Whitchurch.

Mac Sutcliffe, of St Mary Bourne, was involved in a two vehicle incident which took place at the junction of Harroway and Bloswood Lane on Friday.

Paying tribute to their son, Mr Sutcliffe’s parents said: “It is with enormous sadness that we announce that our beloved son, Mac Sutcliffe, died in a motorcycle accident on October 14.

“He was a bright flame and shone so brightly in so many lives.

“We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support.

“It is appreciated and much needed. “May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”

The 16-year-old was riding a motorcycle when he was involved in a collision with a white Mercedes van at around 7.15am.

Mr Sutcliffe was taken to Basingstoke Hospital, but later died of his injuries.

The van driver and his passenger, both 31-year-old men from Reading, were uninjured.

Further messages of condolences and support have flooded social media in memory of Mr Sutcliffe.

A social media page has been set up in honour of the teen.

One tribute was posted on the site saying: “Another biker lost, wish he never had gone, [he] was such a good person.

“Always had a smile and sorry to everyone that lost him.

“Once a biker, always a biker.

“Sleep tight Mac.”

A tribute ride was due to take place in Mr Sutcliffe’s memory yesterday when riders travelled in the afternoon to where he died before paying their respects.

The event was scheduled to include a convoy trip to Southampton Bike Night, a popular site where bikers meet up weekly.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the incident.

Anyone with information about the collision should contact PC David Mitchell on 101, quoting 44160388093.