A beloved biker who died in a crash along a busy main road this morning has been described as a kind-hearted family man.

Popular Anthony McCoan, 46, was involved in a single-vehicle collision on the A299 Thanet Way, between Whitstable and Faversham.

Emergency services were called to the scene along the London-bound carriageway close to Dargate at about 6.05am.

But tragically the doting dad-of-four from Ramsgate was pronounced dead at the scene, sparking a huge outpouring of grief online.

Speaking to KentOnline, Anthony’s wife, Kisha, said: “He was lovable.

“Everybody loved him – he was a real family man.

“We’ve lost a lot of fellow bikers unfortunately this year, and he’s now one of them."

Born in Wales, Anthony spent his formative years in foster care.

He and Kisha first talked over CB radio when they were in their 20s, before deciding to meet.

The couple married 25 years ago, raising four children and becoming grandparents over the intervening period.

“We just recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary,” Kisha added.

“I found out [Anthony had died] at about 8am when I arrived at work and got a call from my daughter’s fiancé saying ‘we’ve got a real emergency here – Ant’s been involved in an accident’.

“I got driven home from work in a state of shock.”

Anthony had been employed as a cleaner at the QEQM Hospital in Margate, before moving into security. He recently worked at Manston Airport during the pandemic.

Family members say he was travelling to provide security for Operation Brock along the M20 when tragedy struck this morning.

A spokesman for his employer, Margate firm CH Recruitment, said: “Unfortunately, we received the devastating news of the passing of our wonderful colleague Anthony McCoan.

“Many of you would have worked with Anthony at various sites and events and you will all recognise his kind heart, bubbly personality and the loyalty he showed to CH.

“We send our love to his family who are going through this horrific time.

“If any of you would like to contribute to Anthony’s funeral and to support his family, we are doing a collection here at CH Staffing in Mill Lane, so please let us know.”

Anthony was well-known among bikers for regularly taking part in the Whitstable Toy Run charity event.

Friend Sharron Hartnup noted Anthony “always had a kind word” for others, while pal Adam Stokes described him as a “great bloke”.

Former colleague Darren Cooper added: “Rest in peace, Anthony.

“You were an amazing man and a good friend.

“We will miss you at CH Recruitment, and I send my love to your family.”

Detectives say Anthony had been riding a green Kawasaki motorbike prior to the crash near the exit for Dargate Road.

They have launched a probe into the incident, and are urging witnesses to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “We attended the scene and the motorcyclist, a man in his 40s, was pronounced deceased.

“Officers are investigating and urge anyone who witnessed the collision and has yet to speak to police, or who has dashcam footage, to contact them.”

Anyone with information should call investigators on 01622 798538, quoting the reference number DS/DH/48/22.