A49 death crash biker named

A motorcyclist killed in a crash on the A49 near the south Shropshire border was today named as 37-year-old Christopher Jones.

Mr Jones, of St Margaret Road, Ludlow, was killed when the Honda motorbike he was riding crashed on the A49 at Ashwood Farm, near Leominster, at about 2.15pm on Sunday.

He was confirmed dead at the scene.

Today it was revealed Mr Jones was a petty officer in the Royal Navy.

A spokesman for the Royal Navy confirmed Mr Jones had died in the crash and said officials were today consoling his family.

An investigation into the smash has been launched by West Mercia Police, and appeals have been made for any witnesses to come forward. Police say no other vehicle was involved in the crash.

Chris Ammonds, a spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "A lengthy section of the A49 was closed for several hours after this collision while officers conducted investigative work at the scene.

"The officers investigating this collision are very keen to speak to anyone who witnessed it, or anyone who may have seen any of the events leading up to it.

"Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact officers in Hereford on 0300 333 3000."

Last year the A49 Safety Campaign Group, which helped bring about improvements to the road, was disbanded after Highways Agency officials stopped attending meetings due to budget cutbacks.

But Ted Clarke, the group's former chairman, today said there were still safety issues along the road and said more investment was needed to make the route safer.

He said: "After all the accidents there have been along the route, including a number of fatalities, it is clear more investment is needed. It is a pity the Government's cuts are preventing anything meaningful being done."

Leave your tributes to Christopher Jones in the comments below. Discussion of the incident will not be published.