The family of a Warminster man who died in a fatal road traffic collision in North Dorset have issued a tribute.

Dorset Police received a report at 7.46pm on Thursday, June 6 of a collision on the A350 Main Road near the village of Compton Abbas involving a silver Audi TT Quattro, a grey BMW 218I and a pedestrian.

Emergency services attended and very sadly the pedestrian – 62-year-old Dean McCormack from Warminster in Wiltshire – was pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger from the Audi – a man aged in his 20s – was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries that were not believed to be serious and has since been discharged.

Mr McCormack’s partner and family said: “We are devastated to lose Dean in such a tragic way, he was taken far too early we are all heartbroken beyond belief.

“Dean shared his life with his long-term partner and their families.

“He was a quiet gentle loving person who loved nothing more than spending time in the countryside with his partner by his side visiting places that were off the beaten track, the Dorset coastline being just one of his favourite places.

“Dean was a very talented engineer who followed the same trade as his grandfather and great-grandfather working in the water industry for many years until his final day.

“A passion for nice cars and motorbikes remained with him throughout his life, spending time meticulously rebuilding older bikes.

“He was an amazing artist producing many stunning pictures, he was a person who could put his hand to many crafts but particularly anything to do with wood, he was a genuinely talented and knowledgeable person in anything he put his hand to.

“Dean’s partner families and close friends request that their privacy be respected at this very difficult time.”

Officers from the Roads Policing Team are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision.

A 19-year-old man from Shaftesbury and a man aged in his 20s from Mere in Wiltshire who were arrested on suspicion of driving offences have been released under investigation as these enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240085160.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.