A MOTORCYCLIST was killed in an horrific collision after falling under the wheels of a lorry.

Scientist David Cunningham, aged 41, died instantly from severe head injuries after his bike collided with a lorry at the junction of Summer Hill and Cricket Ground Road, Chislehurst at 8.20am on Friday.

A nearby residentsaid: "I heard a whoosh. There was a puff of smoke as I heard the lorry screech to a halt. People flooded around the man covering him straight away with coats. It was a very nasty accident."

David's father, also called David, 68, said: "He was a unique, caring, dependable person who will be tremendously missed. Our lives will not be the same without him."

David's younger brother Phillip, 38, said at the family home in Footscray Road, Bexley: "He was a great bloke and a sensible rider. That is why we can't make head or tail of this accident. We are all going to miss him."

Neighbour Peter Holland, 58, said: "The family is very upset about the incident. He was a good-natured fellow and a careful rider."

David, who gained an MSc in January, was looking forward to moving into a new home in Welling soon.

Police said the lorry driver from Charlton was recovering from shock at home.

A post-mortem, held on the day of the accident, gave the cause of death as serious head injuries. An inquest will be held soon.

The collision caused chaos in the area as traffic in Chislehurst backed up past Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident. If you have information call Catford police station on 0181 284 5932.

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