A YOUNG motorcyclist has died following an early morning crash on a notorious country road.

Police were called to Burnham Road, near Hazeleigh, at about 6.25am on Friday (March 13).

After arriving at the scene, officers discovered a black motorbike, which had L plates on, had been involved in a collision.

No other vehicles are understood to have been involved in the crash.

The East of England Ambulance Service sent an ambulance to Burnham Road at 6.27am.

A spokesman said: “Sadly despite our best efforts one person died at the scene.”

Police closed the road whilst investigations took place and it remained shut to traffic for the majority of the day.

The motorcyclist has been named locally as 21-year-old Bradley Pennock.

A crowdfunding page has been set up in his memory to raise money for his family to pay for his funeral.

The original target was to collect £1,000, however supporters have already raised nearly three times this amount.

The fundraising page states: “We have lost our dear Bradley Pennock who had the most wonderful pure soul, who would always put everyone else above himself no matter what.

“He could never ever fail to put a smile on anyone’s face even on their rainiest of days.

“He was generally such a true friend, son, brother and more and has left such an impact on so many people’s lives.

“He will never be forgotten and missed by everyone.”

Ward councillor Mark Durham (Con, Wickham Bishops and Woodham) said the incident had caused shock amongst the community.

He said: “To lose a son, a family member, like this just does not bear thinking about.

“There have been many accidents and fatalities on the road, especially with motorcyclists.

“The Burnham bends are notorious for this sort of thing because of the very nature of the road - it is a 60 mile an hour road with sweeping bends.

“Unfortunately, there is very little to be done to the road layout.”

He added: “It is unlikely to be the last road accident there. It’s just devastating.”

Following the collision, Essex Police are appealing for witnesses, or anyone who may have dash cam footage from the area around the time of the crash, to come forward and help with the probe.

Witnesses or anyone who can assist police should contact 101, quoting incident 1322 of March 12.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To donate to the appeal for Mr Pennock’s family, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bradleypennock.