Tributes have been paid to two young motorcyclists who died when they collided head-on, on the A120 at Wix.

And police on Friday revealed they believe the two riders were pulling "wheelies" when they collided

The front wheels of the Suzuki bikes, being ridden by 21-year-old Richard Hill and 25-year-old Robert Baisden, were not in contact with the road when they struck each other, according to police.

Mr Hill, of Pound Farm Drive, Dovercourt, was taken to Colchester General Hospital by ambulance but died later.

An Essex Police spokesman said Mr Baisden, of Elmhurst Road, Dovercourt, died almost immediately.

The accident happened at 9.50pm on Wednesday on the Colchester-bound side of the road at the junction with Cansey Lane.

The motorbikes were travelling in opposite directions when the collision occurred.

The victims had just left a large gathering of motorcyclists at the Plough in Great Bentley where they had met up that evening.

Mr Hill's family was too upset to speak about their son.

Police are anxious to trace the drivers of two vehicles, a red M registration Toyota Celica sports car, and an articulated lorry which was at the head of the traffic which stopped at the scene.

The spokesman emphasised that neither driver had done anything wrong or been involved in the crash but may have crucial information which could help the inquiry into the tragic deaths.

Anyone with information should contact PC512 Dave Foskew at Northern Road Policing Unit on 01206 762512.

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

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