THE girlfriend of a man killed in a motorcycle crash has described how the love of her life died in her arms.

Jamie Laidlaw, a father of two, died after he hit a lamppost while riding a Suzuki bike he had borrowed. His girlfriend heard the noise of the crash and ran to the scene. Beverley Jenkins, 23, said: "He squeezed my hand and said 'Love you'."

Mr Laidlaw, 31, lived with his parents Dave and Linda Laidlaw, of Matthews Close, Deal, and worked as a forklift driver. Miss Jenkins said he had split up with his wife, Mickey, and had been with her for nine months.

He was with friends in a house in Roman Close and borrowed a motorbike for a test run when he hit a lamppost in Church Lane, Deal.

Miss Jenkins said: "I heard the noise of a bike and before I could ask him to get off he had zoomed down the road. When I heard a bang I ran into the street and found him."

Mr Laidlaw was certified dead at the scene and was taken by ambulance to the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

Miss Jenkins added: "He was a very good father to his two children and he was a very caring person. He had lots of friends that loved him for what he was - a gentleman and a loving, caring man.

"Now I feel like there is a bit of my heart broken and missing. He was the love of my life."

Mr Laidlaw had a daughter Sasha, 12, and a son Jordan, aged five. He had a younger brother Stephen. His parents said they would miss their son's cheeky smile. They added: "He was looking forward to being back with his children. But sadly this has now been taken from him."

• Police would like to hear from any witnesses to the crash. They are asked to contact PC Gerry Fitzsimmons on 01304 218006.