The wife of a cyclist who died in a crash with a van has paid tribute to her “beloved” husband.

Alan Crawford suffered fatal injuries in the collision involving a white Renault van in Grinsell Hill, Minster.

Flowers and pictures of the dad have since been left at the scene of the tragedy.

Alan’s wife, Amanda Crawford, posted on Facebook: “It is with a broken heart I have to say that my beloved Alan was in a fatal road traffic accident.

“I can’t find the words right now.

“Rest in peace, my love.”

One of Alan’s former employers and friends at Archway Highway Services described him as a “fantastic man” who “had the capacity to make people smile, laugh and joke”.

Director Steve Alexandrou said: “He had an ability to put things into perspective and would help people out with anything, if he could.

“I knew Alan for about 15 years professionally and socially.

“He loved his wife, kids and family and was a Tottenham Hotspur supporter from a very young age.

“My thoughts go out to his wife and family at this tragic time - he will be missed greatly.”

Police closed off Grinsell Hill and The Lanes at about 7.30am on Thursday.

An air ambulance landed in a field next to Wayside Caravan Park, but Mr Crawford could not be saved.

A police spokesman said: “Officers attended along with South East Coast Ambulance Service and the cyclist, a man in his 50s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is looking into the circumstances, and appealing to anyone who saw what happened, or has relevant dashcam footage, to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to call the SCIU appeal line on 01622 798538, or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police. uk, quoting reference RY/ BLM/107/22.