Police investigating the death of motorcyclist at Great Bardfield are trying to trace two drivers who may have vital information.

Keith Smith died following a collision involving a horse box at Bell Lane, on Saturday and Essex Police would like to hear from two drivers who passed the horse box shortly before the accident.

A police spokesman said: "Neither of these drivers is believed to have been involved in the collision but may be able to give information leading up to it.

"The driver of the horse box, which was travelling from the direction of Great Bardfield, recalls slowing and pulling to the near side of Bell Lane to allow two cars which were travelling in the opposite direction to pass. The collision with the motorcycle took place very soon afterwards."

Tributes were yesterday paid to Mr Smith, 43, of Bendlowes Road, Great Bardfield, as a much-loved and hard-working father.

He was riding a 1000cc blue Kawasaki motorbike at 1.55pm when the collision happened.

The drivers are asked to contact PC John Week at Bocking traffic police on 01376 330722

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2003

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