A MOTORCYCLIST who died in a crash on the A34 near Oxford this morning has been named locally as a Swindon man.

The 53-year-old motorcyclist died at the scene on the southbound stretch of the road at 2.45am, near Kidlington.

He has been named locally as Simon Gutteridge, better known to friends as Sid.

It is understood Mr Gutteridge lived in Swindon and was a bass guitarist in a rock band.

His friend James Hansen, who lives in Highworth, told the Oxford Mail: "I knew him for 11 years, although I haven't seen him for a while.

"He was an honest and gentle kind of guy. He loved motorbikes. He used to say 'some people do meditation - I do mine on my bike'."

Mr Hansen, 39, said he found out about the crash from a friend.

He added: "It's still fresh, I don't think it's sunk in yet."

Mr Gutteridge was riding a grey and black Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which crashed with a white Volvo lorry.

Next of kin have been informed and Thames Valley Police has launched an appeal for witnesses.

The lorry driver was not injured and no arrests have been made.

Investigating officer, Sergeant Ed Crofts of the joint operations unit for roads policing, said: “This incident has very sadly resulted in the death of a man, and we are carrying out an investigation.

“I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have seen the motorcycle traveling south on the A34 prior to the collision."

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting reference 199 (3/6), or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.