TRIBUTES have been paid to a Royal Wootton Bassett man who was killed on Monday after the car he was driving hit a wild boar on the M4.

Raymond Green, 47, was described as ‘the best father I could ever ask for’ by his son on social media yesterday.

Mr Green was travelling in the middle lane when he struck the animal before his car collided with nearby lorry at 6.30pm heading eastbound between junctions 17 and 16.

Paramedics were called but, having sustained serious injuries, he died at the scene.

Mr Green, who is believed to have two children, played an active part in the community and was part of the Wootton Bassett Friends of Guiding.

On Facebook yesterday, his son James posted a touching tribute to his father. It read: “I just want to thank everyone for their kind words and support, the past few days have been really tough and they mean a lot to me and my family.

“It was a complete freak accident that happened to my dad, no one expects to see a wild animal in the middle of the motorway. Those of you who knew my dad would know that he was genuinely the smartest nicest man you’ll ever meet and the best father I could’ve ever asked for RIP dad”

Members of the local community also paid tribute to Mr Green, saying the town would be worse off following the crash.

Ian Ferries, Royal Wootton Bassett’s deputy mayor, said: “The whole thing is a tragedy, both for his family and for the town as a whole.

“He and his wife have been involved in youth organisations for many years. Not only is the family going to suffer, the town is going to suffer too.

“The motto of the town is ‘we honour those who serve’ and it’s not just military people, it’s people who serve the community, which he has done.”

Incidents of boars running in front of traffic are incredibly rare in this part of the country and it is thought the animal may have come from the Forest of Dean.

PS Steven Love said: "This is a truly tragic incident and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim.

"It is quite rare for a wild boar to be on the carriageway of the motorway. It is more common for the police to receive calls involving horses or deer but each is equally dangerous to motorists.

"This was a particularly large wild animal and would have caused considerable damage to any vehicle.

"I would appeal for anyone with any information about the incident to contact us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Mark Cargill via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information may be left anonymously.