THE family of a “dedicated” Hampshire father who died in a collision on the M27 have paid tribute to him.

Joseph Watts, 26, of Lee Lane in Lee, Romsey, was pronounced dead at the scene after his Honda motorbike was in collision with another car.

The incident took place at 10.20pm on May 20.

The crash, which involved a car and motorbike, led police to close of part of the westbound carriageway between junction 9, for Park Gate, and junction 8, for Bursledon, for several hours.

Joseph’s family said: “Joseph Watts was a dedicated father, loving partner, son and brother.

“He loved nature, adventure, travelling, fatherhood, and was passionate in his career as a groundsman.

“He was always to be found with a smile on his face.

“Whilst his life was tragically cut too short, he lived it to the full and will be missed dearly by all the lives that he impacted.”

Police continue to ask anyone who witnessed the collision, or captured it on dashcam, to call 101 quoting Operation Kira.

In a statement, the force said: “We are appealing for witnesses or information following a fatal road traffic collision on the Westbound M27 last night.

“The incident occurred at 10.20pm at Junction 9 of the motorway and involved a car and a motorbike.

“The male rider of the motorcycle sadly died at the scene but has yet to be formally identified. “

A spokesperson for South Central Ambulance Service added: “We sent a silver incident commander in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic team leader in a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew to the scene.”