A FAMILY have paid tribute to their beloved son, brother and grandson who sadly died following a three-vehicle crash on a major Dorset route.

Dorset Police were called at 5.22am on Tuesday April 12 to reports of a serious injury road traffic collision on the A35 near to the Miles Cross junction, Bridport, involving a HGV lorry, white Mercedes Sprinter van and a Volvo V40.

Police, along with the ambulance service and fire service, attended the incident.

Very sadly, the driver of the Mercedes van, named by his family as 20-year-old Jack Bray from Newton Abbott in Devon, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Read more: Man dies in three vehicle crash on A35 near Bridport

The family of Mr Bray said in a statement: “Jack was a beloved son, brother, grandson and friend to many and was the most smiley, happy and purest person with a heart of gold.

“Our hearts are broken as he was taken far too soon and had so much more to give – he will be missed by so many.

“We would respectfully request that family and friends are allowed to grieve in private at this very difficult time.”

The driver of the HGV, a woman aged in her 20s and from Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Volvo, a male aged in his 50s from Paignton in Devon, was uninjured in the collision.

Sergeant Jay Griffin, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with Jack’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time and officers are continuing to do all they can to support them.

“We are continuing to investigate this incident as it is important that we establish the full circumstances of the collision.

“I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police, or anyone who may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam, to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220057271. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.