THE rider killed in a motorbike crash near Oxford on Friday has been named locally as RAF veteran Mike Dobbin.

Police confirmed on Saturday that a 72-year-old man from Warwickshire had died after the crash on the A420, just before the Botley Interchange.

He was pronounced dead at the scene after he collided with a stationary van, fell off his bike and was hit by another biker.

Tributes have been posted on social media to Mr Dobbin, who is thought to have lived in Shipton-on-Stour, close to the Oxfordshire boundary.

Several people said he had been travelling back from a funeral when the crash happened.

Thames Valley Police has not yet officially confirmed an identity.

According to the touching tributes, Mr Dobbin was a well-loved RAF veteran who was secretary of his local branch of the Royal British Legion.

Posting on the Royal British Legion Shipston on Stour Facebook page, Richard Adams wrote: "It is with great sadness and shock that the death of Mike Dobbin is announced. 

"[He was] well known and liked throughout Shipston...His comrades greatly mourn his passing. He leaves a gap in our lives and the Legion's activities."

Writing on the Biker Escorts UK Facebook page, Paul Skulls described Mr Dobbin as 'a great man' whose death was 'tragic'.

Another posted online hailing him as 'a fine example of an RBL Rider', and said Mr Dobbin had been returning paying his respects at a fellow veteran's funeral.

Posting to the Veterans Honoured group, Robin Patrick Ellwood‎ wrote: "With a very sad heart, I inform our brothers, RAF Veteran, 72yr old Mike Dobbin, was killed [on Friday] in a motorcycle accident, having attended the funeral of a British Legion member.

"Mike was a much respected member of the RBL Riders Branch. He was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed. R.I.P brother."

An Oxford Mail reader who commented on this paper's initial article about the crash said: "The fatality was my mum and dad's best man and dear friend.

"My parents were due to spend the weekend with him and are currently with his family, devasted and broken hearted.

"I have no idea what caused the collision, and it's really not the time to be thinking about it, but let's just take a moment to think about our future journeys...be extra vigilant, be considerate and respect one another.

"The man who died had plans for tonight, a lovely day planned for tomorrow, he won't make them now...take care on your journeys, be kind, be safe."