THE death of an 'amazing' father-of-five who crashed into a metal barrier in Littlemore has left his family devastated.

Wesley Chiddington suffered a 'massive head trauma' after hitting the barrier while riding a child's white Midi Moto motorcycle last month.

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His father-in-law Ian East said the family was 'in shock' over the loss, and that there were still unanswered questions about the events surrounding his death on February 17 as no witnesses had come forward.

His daughter Marie had been childhood sweethearts with Mr Chiddington, the pair meeting when she was 12 and he was 13.

Oxford Mail:

The 35-year-old left behind the five young children the pair had together; Bailey, 13, Shardon, 12, Braydon, 10, Martine, eight, and Sheldon, seven.

Mr East said the children had cried when they were told by his daughter, adding: "They were devastated. I was sat there on the sofa with them and I felt helpless, I wished there was something I could do to take the hurt away."

The 64-year-old said Bailey had turned 13 just days after her dad's death and had been writing 'little messages' to her father on Facebook.

Oxford Mail:

The grandfather added 10-year-old Braydon had been especially impacted by his dad's death as he was his father's 'right hand man' and would often ride on the back of a bike with Mr Chiddington after school.

He said there had originally been a tribute at the metal barrier where Mr Chiddington died but it had been destroyed and so the family had set up a memorial on the wall outside their home in Kingfisher Green.

It has been since been filled with dozens of messages and pictures of the father and his children, as well as flowers from family and friends.

Oxford Mail:

Mr East said: "There have been lots of people coming round. I never knew so many people cared.

"It has been hectic, everybody has been supporting Marie and the children. It was overwhelming, we had to say thank you but can you give us a bit of time."

Mr East said since the death he had been at his daughter's house 'every single day' helping take the children to school and 'trying to keep it together'.

He added he knew his son-in-law 'wasn't perfect' but praised the love he had for his family.

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The retired shop worker explained: "He was kind and thoughtful, always worrying about people and what they thought.

"He was just a great person, really amazing. He always put his family first and never ever let his children down.

"I don't know how we will start to move one from this."

Mr East said his son-in-law loved bikes, adding: "You couldn't keep him away from with anything with two or four wheels."

Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter said at the opening of Mr Chiddington's inquest earlier this month, that there had been no witnesses to the crash, which happened at approximately 11.10pm.

Mr Chiddington, who was discovered by walkers with 'severe injuries', had been travelling west on Long Lane, Littlemore, when he crashed.

It was the same spot where 16-year-old David Allen was killed after his moped hit the metal railing in 2004.

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Mr East said the family was desperate to know what happened that night and urged anyone who saw anything 'no matter how small' to get in touch with police.

He added: "If we knew it was definitely an accident it might help but we don't know that at the moment as no one saw it."

Investigating officer PC Matt Clarke of the Roads Policing Unit based in Abingdon, said in an initial appeal for witnesses that no other vehicles were believed to be involved.

He urged anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage though to call 101 quoting reference number 1518 (17/2).

A full inquest into Mr Chiddington's death is due to take place on July 8.

Anyone who would like to pay their respects is invited to his funeral at Oxford Crematorium on March 27 at 3pm.