Police are trying to piece together the last movements of a 23-year-old Shropshire man who died when his vehicle crashed into a tree early on New Year’s Day, it emerged today.

Officers investigating the death of Cary Jo Evans say they are unclear of his whereabouts between midnight and 2am.

They today issued a fresh appeal for information from any members of the public able to shed light on Mr Evans’ last hours.

Mr Evans of Talbot Street, Ellesmere, died on the A495 after the Ford Ranger 4×4 pick up he was driving crashed into a tree.

He was discovered at about 2am and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Anyone who saw Mr Evans or the vehicle in the Ellesmere area that night is being asked to contact West Mercia Police.

Investigating officer Sergeant Darren Heyes said: “No other vehicle appears to have been involved in this collision, which occurred on the A495 between Newton, near Welshampton, and the Ellesmere junction on the A528.

“We would like to appeal for information – if you were driving along the A495 during the early hours of New Year’s Day and saw this Ford Ranger or even the crash itself, then we would very much like to speak to you.

“There is a period between midnight and 2am when we are unclear of Cary’s whereabouts, so if anyone saw him or the Ranger in the Ellesmere area that night, we would like to hear from you.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr Evans, who was a leading light in the world of autograss racing.

His father Karl Evans, of Longdon-Upon-Tern, near Telford, said yesterday: “There was only one hobby in Cary’s life and that was autograss.

“I put him in his first car at the age of 13 – he was so proud of the fact he was the third generation autograss racer.”

Cary, who grew up in the Long Lane area of Telford and attended Charlton School in Wellington, is survived by girlfriend Annabel Vermeulen-Hall, mother Jane and brothers Russell, Jody and Lester.

Call police on 0300 333 3000 with any information.

By Tom Johannsen