THE tragic death of a young motorcyclist has left his family and his girlfriend devastated.

Edward Lesurf, 20, of Edenbridge Drive, Sheerness, was riding a Suzuki motorbike when it collided with a lamppost outside the Sea View Hotel in Broadway, Sheerness. He died shortly afterwards in hospital.

Edward would have celebrated his 21st birthday at his mother's home in Minster on Saturday, May 4. He and girlfriend of two-and-a-half years, Leisha Norton, 19, were inseparable. They only moved into their flat in August last year.

On the day he died Edward was due to sign a contract for a building apprenticeship. It was to coincide with the joinery and building course he was starting at Canterbury College in September.

Leisha said: "We were engaged in our own way. He had bought me a ring with little diamonds and blue topaz stones in it. He was kind and so friendly to people. I love him and I miss him."

Police are attempting to trace a witness driving a red car in the opposite direction towards Sheerness town centre at the time of the accident last Thursday evening. Any witnesses are asked to contact PC Colin Port on 01795 584121 or 017695 477055.