TRIBUTES have been paid to the “gentle giant” who died following a four-vehicle collision in London Colney last Wednesday.

Paul Newton, from Basildon, died at the scene, following the crash on the A1081 London Colney bypass, which happened at around 6am.

The 42-year-old was bought up in the Essex town with his brother Lee, sister Sandra and step-sister Alison.

Paul’s brother Lee, wife Sheila, and mum Dee, have issued the following tribute to him: “Paul was a real gentle giant and he was the kind of person where, if you needed him, he was always there to help and support you.

“He was very genuine as well – what you saw with Paul was what you got.”

After leaving school, Paul began working at Gateway Supermarket (which later became Morrison’s), first as a warehouse assistant and then as a head of department.

He then moved to Basildon Dairy Foods Ltd, where he met his wife Lorraine. They divorced after 11 years of marriage, but remained close friends.

Paul later started working in the haulage business and eventually set up his own firm with a partner in 2002.

In his spare time, he loved fresh water fishing. His other main passions were Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and darts. The family said that Paul was so good at darts, he could have been professional.

The family continued: “Paul was also a very giving man. Shortly before the incident, he took part in a 25 mile sponsored walk in aid of cancer charities. He did this in memory of our dad, Reg and our nan, Flo.”

Officers are investigating the road traffic collision and are appealing for any witnesses they have not already spoken with to come forward. They can contact police via the non-emergency number 101.