Tributes are pouring in for a man who died after losing control of his motorbike and crashing into a tree.

Damen Crompton, from Maidstone, was killed in the tragedy on the A229 Loose Road, near Sheals Crescent.

The accident happened last Thursday at around 5pm, and Mr Crompton was believed to be heading home to Reculver Walk in Senacre.

At first accident investigators thought he crashed into a lamppost, but it was later confirmed he had hit a tree and a wall.

The air ambulance landed at Maidstone Grammar School’s field, in Barton Road and paramedics worked for 20 minutes trying to resuscitate the motorcyclist.

Mr Crompton was pronounced dead at the scene, shortly after 5.30pm.

Emergency services and police investigators were called and Upper Stone Street was closed at Mote Road for several hours, causing long delays around the town.

Traffic heading towards Loose was diverted along Barton Road and Willow Way to reach Ashford Road. The A229 was also closed at Armstrong Road in the other direction.

A nearby resident said she returned from collecting her four-year-old son from school to find the road full of emergency services.

PC Guy Ditcher said: “A black and white Aprilia 125cc motorcycle was being ridden along Upper Stone Street, when it seems the rider lost control. This caused the motorcycle to leave the carriageway to the nearside.”

In the days after the crash floral tributes to the rider built up at the scene.

His partner, Lianne Farrow, who he lived with, led the tributes.

In a note left with a bouquet, she wrote: “To my darling Damen, I will miss you so much and I know you will always be with me.”

A statement released by his family added: “We are devastated by the news but are bringing comfort to each other.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to all the unknown kind Samaritans who tended to him on the roadside. We now ask for our privacy to be respected to allow us time to grieve as a family.”

Mr Crompton had worked at packaging company Dempson Ltd for the last four years.

The firm, based in Hermitage Lane, confirmed it was supporting his family.

Lisa Lomas, who posted on social media, said: “My husband knew him from his work, very sad faces and feelings coming out of there. Hubby said he was a happy bloke.”

An inquest into Mr Crompton’s death was opened at Archbishop’s Palace, in Mill Street, on Wednesday.

The cause of death was given as multiple injuries and a provisional date for a full hearing is yet to be scheduled.

Any witnesses to the accident who have not yet contacted police are asked to call 01622 798538.

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