TRIBUTES have been paid to two Hampshire men who died in a collision on the A272 near Winchester.

As previously reported, police were called to Cheesefoot Head on January 30 after a crash involving a black Ford Fiesta and a white Audi.

The men travelling in the Fiesta, 61-year-old Stephen Richard Skilton and Anthony Leech, 70, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Paying tribute, Mr Leech’s family said: “A loving brother and uncle. A friend to many and one of the world’s most genuine guys, tragically taken too soon.”

And Mr Skilton’s family said: “A loving partner to Jackie. A loyal son, brother, uncle and friend, Stephen will be sadly missed by so many people: relatives, work colleagues past and present, Army colleagues, friends and neighbours.

“He will be remembered for his honesty, consideration, and sense-of-humour.

“A loving character, the world is a poorer place without him. He will be loved forever and always.”

The families are being supported by specialist officers.

Winchester Coroner's Court heard a post mortem report this morning which states the preliminary cause of death for both the Emsworth men as multiple injuries.

Area coroner Jason Pegg adjourned the full inquest to August 21.

The 60-year-old man who was driving the Audi suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.

Officers investigating the exact circumstances of the collision are keen to speak with any witnesses.

A police spokesperson said: “Did you witness the collision?

"Maybe you have a dash cam and captured footage of either of the vehicles in the area in the moments before or of the collision?”

Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 44200037998. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.