A Peterborough motorcyclist who died in a crash on a Cambridgeshire road on Wednesday was “a special kinda guy that just had that little sparkle around you”. The tribute was paid by a friend of Paul Istead, 53, who was riding a black Kawasaki motorcycle at about 4.50pm when he was involved in a crash with a silver Ford Focus, and then a blue Mazda C-X 3, on the A1198, Papworth Everard bypass.
Another motorcyclist travelling with him on a blue Yamaha bike was not injured.
The drivers of the Ford and the Mazda were not seriously injured, remained at the scene, and are assisting police with the investigation.
Paul’s friend wrote: “I really can’t believe the hole that this has left in my heart and my life! To have someone as close as you were to be snatched away so suddenly and unexpectedly from us and never return is almost an unbearable thought.
“RIP my friend. We miss you already and so much. Emotions come in waves, and I fight back the tears so many times through the day and night.
“Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing you, will be feeling the same in one way or another. You were a special kinda guy that just had that little sparkle around you. Quiet you were, until you wanted to be heard, and something funny would always come out of your mouth.
“The Paul Istead classic shoulder shrug with your hands in your pockets will live on. I’ll make sure of that!”
Anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage, or believes they saw the vehicles in the build-up to what happened should contact police online quoting incident 364 of 19 June, or call 101 and ask to speak to a member of the Road Policing Unit.
Mr Istead lived at Victory Avenue. Peterborough.