A 32-year-old motorcyclist who died in a three-vehicle smash in Telford was due to be a father for the third time, it emerged this afternoon.

Father-of-two Trevor Leese, from Oakengates, died when the motorbike he was riding was in collision with two vehicles at the junction of Haybridge Road and Whitchurch Drive in Wellington at about 1.45pm yesterday.

A relative today said Mr Leese and his partner Paula Stevens had two children and were expecting a third.

Mr Leese died at the scene while his pillion passenger, a 26-year-old man from St Georges, was seriously injured. He was airlifted to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he remains in a serious condition with leg, chest and abdominal injuries.

Police were expecting to formally identify Mr Leese’s body today and an investigation into the cause of the crash, which closed the road for about eight hours, has been launched.

Wendy Leese, Mr Leese’scousin, who works at the Shell garage in Ketley, today paid tribute to him.

She said: “He was a lovely, lovely lad and I’m distraught at what has happened to him. He only came in here yesterday.

“The taxi driver who was involved came in yesterday and told us about the accident but then I got a phone call when I got home.”

Mr Leese’s partner was being comforted by relatives today but neighbour Queenie Lawley said Mr Leese was as good a neighbour anyone could want.

She said: “He was always cleaning up and tidying up. You couldn’t wish for a better man. He used to help me a lot. The day before he was sweeping up for all of us.”

She said the couple already had two young daughters.

Chris Ammonds, of Telford police, said the pillion passenger remained in a serious condition in hospital today.

He said: “Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. Next of kin have been informed and formal identification of the dead man will take place later today.”

Claire Thomas, spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “Crews immediately commenced resuscitation on the man at the roadside. Sadly, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man.”

Pay your tributes to Trevor Leese in the comments box below

By Ann Clarkson and Peter Kitchen