TRIBUTES continue to pour in as village mourns

Ben Wilson, 18, of Waltham Road, Overton died after he was in a collision with a Volkswagen Polo in Micheldever, near Basingstoke, on Saturday night, September 15.

He was taken to Southampton General Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived.

Police have appealed for anyone who saw the incident, which happened on the A33, about 11.10pm, to contact them.

Mr Wilson’s family have released a touching tribute describing him as a “kind, caring and funny son, with a zest for life.”

The statement said: “Our family are struggling to come to terms with our loss.”

“Ben was a kind, caring and funny son, with a zest for life - a much loved brother, grandson and nephew. He is already dearly missed.”

“This has been a terrible shock for us all, and we thank you all for your love, warmth and well wishes. “ “We do ask that only close friends and family contact us during this difficult time.”

One resident said ;“The whole village is numb, almost everyone knows someone who knew Ben or a member of his family. It has affected us all and the normally jovial village mood is somewhat subdued this week.” A local business owner added “I have known Ben since he was a young boy and have watched him grow into a fine young man as he came in almost every week.”

Specialist officers from Hampshire Constabulary are now supporting Mr Wilson’s family.

Sergeant Jonathan Bates said: “We know that there were a number of young people in the area at the time of the collision who were being dropped off for some sort of gathering in Micheldever Woods.

“We’ve spoken to a number of these people at the scene but would urge anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to an officer, to get in touch with us.

“We would also like to appeal to anyone else who was in the area at the time of the collision to make contact with us.”

The driver of the Polo, an 18-year-old man from Basingstoke, was not injured. Anyone with information should contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting Operation Cola. The inquest into Ben’s death is being dealt with by the coroner’s office in Winchester.