The family of an Ashwell man who died in a crash in Baldock on Friday night have released a heartfelt tribute to their ‘wonderful son, brother, uncle, father and friend’.

Mark Knights was driving a green Toyota Hilux pick-up truck on Bygrave Road shortly after 1am on Saturday when, for reasons that remain unclear, it left the road and ended up on its side. The 54-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family said in a statement: “Mark was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, father and friend. The void left in our lives since his passing will never be filled. He will always be missed by all who loved and knew him.

“We are still trying to come to terms with what has happened and ask to be left alone so that we can grieve in peace.”

The road was closed until about 10.20am while police investigated at the scene and arranged the vehicle’s recovery. Flowers have since been left there.

The Orange Tree pub in Baldock paid tribute to ‘Mark the Weld’ on social media, calling him ‘a top bloke that lived life’.

“All of us at The Orange Tree would like to offer our condolences to Mark’s family,” the post read.

“‘Mark the Weld’ has left a legacy of his work at the Tree, from the fabulous glass wall and fencing in the garden to the huge metal firebox, the Orange Tree door on our lounge fireplace and countless small fabrications to fix those little problems – and not forgetting the foot rail in the bar that will hold resting feet for years to come.

“Sleep well Mark – such a talented and friendly chap.”

PC Shona Gillen of the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit said: “While I appreciate the roads in the local area may have been relatively quiet at that time of the morning, someone may have seen or heard something which could prove useful to our investigation, or may have seen the vehicle prior to the collision.

“At this stage it is unclear as to the exact circumstances of the collision but I would ask anyone who has any information about what happened to please contact me.”

Anyone with information should call PC Gillen on the non-emergency number 101 quoting ISR 44 of October 1.