HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to an “irreplaceable and very loved” motorcyclist who died in a tragic crash over the weekend.

Messages of support have flooded in for the family of Luke Batchelor following the collision in Fox Way, Portslade, on Saturday.

Public tributes to the 33-year-old have been shared on Facebook, with friends and family paying their respects and sharing memories.

The Argus: The air ambulance was called to the scene in Fox Way, Portslade on Saturday The air ambulance was called to the scene in Fox Way, Portslade on Saturday

Luke’s partner, Megan Gale, posted an emotional statement on Facebook expressing her sadness at Luke’s death.

She said: “Luke Batchelor was irreplaceable and very loved by me and our kids – not biological, but every other sense, they were his.

“Words will never describe the pain we are feeling, alongside his mum, family members and friends.

The Argus: Luke Batchelor died in the crash in Portslade on SaturdayLuke Batchelor died in the crash in Portslade on Saturday

“I just don’t know what else I say, but please be respectful and allow us to grieve in peace and come to terms with losing him. You were my person Luke, and I will love you forever.”

In a tweet to the Argus, Megan's sister Siobhan Gale said: "RIP Luke. We as a family were already broken beyond repair.

"You will definitely leave a huge hole that cannot be filled."

The Argus: The scene in Portslade following the crashThe scene in Portslade following the crash

Jenni McAleavy said she had lost the “best friend a girl could wish for”.

She wrote: “This one really hurts. Cut from a different cloth, and loyal to the core.

“Who am I going to tell my secrets to know? RIP little fella, you’re going to be missed more than you can ever imagine.

Luke Brown added: “Can’t believe it is true mate, Luke Batchelor.

“Thanks for everything you did for me when no one else did. I will never forget the memories with you. Love you, bro.”

Luke Scrase said he was heartbroken another “great lad and biker” had been killed on the road.

He said: “25 years I’ve known you. I can’t believe you are gone. My little legend, my brother.”

Sussex Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses as they look to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

The incident happened in Fox Way at 4.35pm on Saturday.

Emergency services were called following the collision involving two motorcycles – a Suzuki GSX 750 and a Kawasaki 600 – and a brown Mitsubishi Outlander.

Luke was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other motorcyclist was taken to hospital with a serious leg injury.

A police spokesman said: “Officers investigating the collision are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or saw any of the vehicles travelling in the area beforehand.

“Anyone with information or who may have captured any relevant dashcam footage is asked to call 101 or email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk quoting Operation Euston.”