Yobs set fire to a memorial to a Sheppey businessman in a cowardly late-night attack.

Motorcycling enthusiast Mick Whalley, who ran a haulage company, died in a seven-bike crash during a race meeting at Donington Park in April. He was 42.

Friends and family pinned tributes to the fence outside his Mick Whalley International business on the Brielle Way at West Minster. But in the early hours of Saturday three young men, possibly teenagers, were seen walking from Queenborough towards Sheerness.

They were caught on CCTV setting fire to a banner featuring Mr Whalley’s photograph. They also burned a T-shirt which had been added to the display by one of Mr Whalley’s drivers.

The footage is now being studied by police.

Mr Whalley’s partner of 13 years Kayleigh Shoebridge, 31, of Eastchurch said: “This is absolutely sickening. I can’t understand why anyone would do such a thing. What sort of person does this? Haven’t they any respect for anything?

“Mick was a lovable chap. I am really gutted. It just doesn’t seem right. I am sure someone knows who did this.”

She was working on a stall for JW Smart Services at the Kent County Show when she was told of the attack on Saturday.

Mr Whalley, a father of two boys, went to Fulston Manor School in Sittingbourne and lived in the town before moving to Sheppey. He died while competing in his first ride for the Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup.

It is understood a car later stopped and its occupants tried to put the flames out.