A MAN who died in a road collision on the A120 on Saturday morning has been identified by police as 21-year-old Brendan Williams.

He served with the 7th Parachute Regiment Horse Artillery and was stationed in Colchester.

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Birch, Commanding Officer of 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, said: "It is with the deepest regret that we confirm the death of Gunner Brendan Shaun Williams in a road traffic accident on the A120 on Saturday 3rd December.

"Brendan was a young soldier who joined G Parachute Battery, 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery at the end of 2014 having completed his training in the Royal School of Artillery.

"He immediately took to life within the Regiment showing great enthusiasm and ethos, quickly completing Pegasus Company.

"He relished the role of serving within airborne forces and being in the UK’s high readiness contingency force.

"His strength of character and popularity among his peers will leave an enduring mark on all who served with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brendan’s family and friends.”

The collision happened shortly before 5.40am on Saturday, December 3 on the A120 near the B1024 between Marks Tey and Braintree.

It involved a black Vauxhall Astra, driven by Brendan, and a white DAF lorry, driven by a 43-year-old man from Ware in Hertfordshire.

The driver of the lorry was not injured.