Tributes to biker with 'heart of gold' after crash

Andrew Freakley died at the scene after his motorcycle and a car were in collision

The family of a motorcyclist who was killed in a crash in Stoke-on-Trent has paid tribute to him.

Andrew Freakley, from the city, was a "loveable rogue, with a heart of gold", whose death has "left us with a great big hole", his family said in a statement.

He was riding a black Yamaha at about 17:10 BST on 25 September when he was in collision with a car at Park Hall Road, near to the business village, Staffordshire Police said.

The 43-year-old died at the scene. Mr Freakley was a "loving son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, partner and friend," his family said.

"God has decided he's got a job for you, son, in the heavenly garden above, instead of down here on earth," his family said.

The statement added: "Now, you can ride free and easy, knowing how much we loved you, and in return, you loved us. You will be deeply missed.

"Always remembered in the cheeky stories shared together, with all our family and friends. Love always."

A police spokesperson added the driver of the car, a red Volvo S80, was not injured and stayed at the scene.

Collision investigators have urged anyone who was travelling in the area with any information or dashcam footage to come forward.