THE inquest has opened into the death of two motorcyclists in a collision with a car in the Meon Valley.

Andrew Cuthbert, 58, of Chase Farm Close, Waltham Chase, and Gary Groves, 62, of Kinsbourne Close, Thornhill, Southampton, died after a collision with a Ford Fiesta on the B3035 near Corhampton on Sunday February 2.

The brief inquest in Winchester heard that both men died of multiple injuries.

Area coroner Jason Pegg adjourned hearing until August 14.

The driver of the Fiesta, a 17-year-old youth from West Meon, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving without due care and consideration while over the specified drug limit. He has been released while investigations continue.

Family tributes were paid to the two.

Andrew’s son and daughter in a statement said: “Our Dad absolutely lived for me and my sister and he was the best pop to his grandchildren who he adored more than anything.

“He never held a grudge and always made sure his family and friends came first. He loved playing football and music but his true passion was his motorbikes.

“The hole he leaves won’t ever be filled, we just want to take everything he taught us to make sure we do him proud. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.”

Gary’s family said: “We just cannot believe we would ever be writing this. On Sunday 2 February our lives were torn to pieces with the horrific news we were to receive.

“As many of you now are already aware the most loving, caring, funny, honest love of our lives was cruelly taken that evening.

“Gary was the most loving husband, dad, grandad, brother, uncle, work colleague and treasured friend to many. He touched the hearts of so many people, the room would light up wherever he went. He absolutely adored his four grandchildren, they were his world and he was their absolute rock.