THE family of a motorcyclist who died after colliding with a skip lorry in Widnes have paid tribute to the 'gentle giant'.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after the accident on Friday.

At about 3.30pm officers were called to reports of a collision on Ditton Road near to Feralco.

Officers attended the scene and found there had been a collision between a black Volvo skip lorry and a black and red Yamaha motorcycle.

Paul Weaver, 59, was riding the motorbike and sustained fatal injuries.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

His family are being supported by specialist officers.

In tribute to him, they  said: "Whether you knew Paul for four years or 40 years, he grabbed a piece of your heart by being just what he was, a gentle giant who was kind, loving and full of fun.

“He was a bit crazy but that's what made him unique and it is unbelievable that he has been taken from us so tragically and suddenly.

“The world is now a darker place without him and our family gatherings will not be the same; especially for the little ones who gravitated to Paul because he was just a big kid himself and we all loved him.

“Rest in peace Paul and ride high amongst the stars."

The driver of the skip lorry, a 58-year-old man from St Helens, was uninjured.

Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and no arrests have been made.

As part the investigation officers are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information or dashcam footage which may aid the investigation.

Officers are particularly keen to trace a van and a HGV which were both seen in the area around the time of the collision.

They would also like to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen either of the vehicles involved prior to the collision.

Anyone with information in relation to the collision should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 316404, give the details online or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To submit dashcam footage go online.