Tributes have been paid to a much-loved community member who died after his motorcycle hit a lamppost on Christmas Eve.

Lamin Manneh died in hospital after suffering severe head injuries along the A26 Tonbridge Road in Barming, near Maidstone, last week.

The motorcyclist, in his 40s, has been travelling towards Wateringbury on a white Honda 125cc when he was involved in the fatal crash at around 2.30pm.

Paying tribute, the father-of-one’s partner Fatoumatta Njaya Mbye said: “I don’t even know what to say. I’m definitely out of words. Lamin was planning to come this January and get married to me as promised but God knows best.

“Lamin is the most honest and humble man I have ever come across.”

Now, a week on, floral tributes have been left at the scene next to The Bull pub, and a fundraiser aiming to raise £5,000 to send his body home to his family in Gambia has been set up.

Several flowers have been left attached to a lamppost at the scene of the crash, with one reading: “You may be gone but your spirit will always be with us. There is a new star shining in the sky.”

Carrie Manfield set up the fundraiser for Mr Manneh, which has raised £1,460 so far.

She wrote: “Lamin was well loved within the community in Wateringbury for over a decade. Words cannot describe how devastated we are by his passing.

“Anyone who knew Lamin knew how tirelessly he worked to provide for his family back home in The Gambia.

“We are raising funds to support his family in funeral arrangements. After speaking with Lamin’s family we would like to support them in getting Lamin home, so he can be laid to rest in Gambia. This can be quite expensive, anything you can donate, big or small would be greatly appreciated.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all kind words and support received so far as well as any contributions to this fund. Anything raised will be given directly to Lamin’s family.”

A 250-metre stretch of the road was closed from the pub down to Glebe Lane for around five-and-a-half hours.

Police have confirmed Mr Manneh, who worked at The Wateringbury in Tonbridge Road, was from Maidstone and died on the same day he crashed. His next of kin have been informed.

Officers are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference EW/DGC/119/24. Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.police.uk.

Local residents with private CCTV and drivers with dashcam, who may have been in the area around the time of the incident, are asked to check for relevant footage, which can be uploaded here.