TRIBUTES have been paid to a young man remembered as "one of the most kind hearted and caring people" who was killed in a motorcycle crash.

Will Stanton, from Shoreham, was killed after his motorcycle mounted the kerb on the central reservation and struck a tree on the Horsham Road, Crawley on Sunday night.

The 21-year-old Albion fan was riding a white Yamaha 125cc east on the dual carriageway some 50 metres east of the Breezehurst Drive roundabout.

Friends paid tribute to him yesterday remembering him as “one of the most kind hearted and caring people”.

Mr Stanton, who went to St Andrew’s High School in Worthing and worked at industrial parts company Eurotherm, died at the scene despite efforts from paramedics and the air ambulance.

Christopher Ashworth, managing director at Eurotherm by Schneider Electric, said: “Will was a very valuable member of our team. He will be sadly missed. Our condolences are with Will’s family at this time."

Yesterday on social media, one of his friends, George Dixon, a web developer from Brighton, paid tribute to Mr Stanton. He said he had been “taken too soon”.

He added: “I cannot believe the news I'm hearing this morning. One of the most kind hearted and caring people I had the pleasure of knowing. Also a good friend.”

Other friends paid tribute including Gav James Powell, from Southwick. He said: “You were always a pleasure to be with, had a smile on your face 24/7.

“You were always a good laugh out at the Brighton games, we will all miss you mate.”

Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses to try and piece together what happened.

It is not thought any other vehicle was involved in the crash at 12.30pm on Sunday.

Others who paid tributes online said “so sad, was the funniest lad at college” while another added “gone but never forgotten”.

The road was closed for almost four hours while emergency services were at the scene trying to save his life.

Anyone who saw what happened or who may have other information is asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting Operation Abbot.