by Helen Fairley

The family of a man killed when his motorbike was involved in a crash with a van have said he will be missed more than words can describe.

Andrew Loughlin's family have paid tribute to his caring nature, after the 53-year-old father-of-two was killed on Linton Hill, Maidstone on Thursday.

A collective statement issued by the family said: "Andy is going to be missed more than words can describe. He was a loving and caring family man. This tragic accident has left such a void in all our lives.

"We feel he has been torn away from us when we were not ready to let him go. To Andy, his family was everything - his wife Karen, his daughters Donna and Stacy, his son in laws Colin and Stuart and his three-year-old granddaughter Sophie.

"We are extremely proud and grateful for the time that we shared with him and the memories that will live in our hearts forever."

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened just after 1.20pm when a blue Yamaha motorbike was in collision with a grey Iveco panel van at the bottom of Linton Hill, close to Rankin Farm.

Mr Loughlin died at the scene.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.