WINCHESTER University has paid tribute to a student killed in a road crash in Sussex.

Aimee Rebecca Paton, 20, was riding a Piaggio Vespa GTS 125 motorcycle when she was in collision with a car.

In a statement, the university said this week: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our students in a road traffic accident last month.

“She is much missed by her friends and fellow students here at Winchester. We are offering support to her family and our thoughts and prayers are with them and her friends at this difficult time.”

An inquest has been opened and it heard that Aimee, of Portslade, Brighton, died of neck and chest injuries. The inquest was adjourned by assistant Sussex coroner Lisa Milner to October 6.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the fatal collision with a car on the A272 near Petersfield at 11.26am on Monday February 10.

Aimee was riding west on the A272 at Durleighmarsh and was in collision with a Honda Civic travelling in the opposite direction. The car driver, a 32-year-old man from Petersfield, suffered shock.

Sgt Peter Swash appealed for witnesses. Anyone who saw what happened or has dash cam which may have captured the incident, is asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Waddington.