HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a popular Vale couple who passed away after they were hit by a car in Wickhamford.
Emergency services were called to Longdon Hill at about 9.40pm on Sunday (May 1) after the man and woman, who were on foot, were hit by a blue Ford Focus. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
The couple have not been formally named but the family of Colin Briffett and his wife Natalie confirmed to the Observer they were the victims of the incident.
Colin, 48, and 46-year-old Natalie both loved their motorbikes and the family of both victims are devastated and have asked for time to come to terms with their tragic loss.
Shocked Vale residents and friends of the couple inundated Facebook with tributes to the popular pair.
One person wrote: “He was a legend – a gentle giant – he will be riding on the clouds of heaven till he sees you again love to you and your family.
Another friend said: “So sorry to hear this. I went to a few of Natalie charity do’s, she was so nice. condolences to the family xx.
A work colleague of the couple wrote: “Huge hole at work, everyone is so shocked, I can’t begin to imagine how you all feel!
“So sorry for your loss, they really are going to be missed by so many, such a tragedy, sending my love and thoughts to everyone xx,” they added.
“So tragic. I didn’t know them but the events at the weekend bring a small town together in thoughts and certainly puts every day insignificant issues into perspective,” another poster wrote.
“My condolences to the couples’ friends and heartfelt sympathies to their families. What a loss to you all.
A road closure was put in place from the A46 and A44 roundabout by Evesham to the roundabout by Childswickham at about 10.40pm whilst emergency services attended the scene.
The road was re-opened five hours later at about 3:30am on Monday (May 2)
A 58-year-old man, the driver of the car, has been arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and has been released on bail until July 16.
Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have been within the area or saw anything leading up to the incident and are urged to call 101 quoting incident 691s of Sunday, May 1.
Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
