TRIBUTES have been paid to a couple from Church Crookham who died in a car crash on Christmas day.

Ann Mary Goodrich, 57, and her husband, 56-year-old Paul John Goodrich were travelling in a silver Volkswagen Golf when it went off the road and crashed into trees near Basingstoke on Tuesday.

They were pronounced dead at the scene.

A statement from their family described them as "much loved parents" who will be "greatly missed".

"Ann and Paul Goodrich were on their way to spend Christmas day with their son Darren, daughter Hannah and her family, when the tragic, fatal accident occurred," it added.

"A close-knit family, they were looking forward to also enjoying the day with their grandson, Daniel, aged two.

Police were called to the accident at 10.05am when a member of the public reported that a car had gone off the road and collided with trees on the B3349 Odiham Road at Heckfield Heath.

A 29-year-old man from Farnborough, believed to be the driver of the VW Golf, received medical attention at the scene before being taken to hospital, where he remains with serious injuries, which are not thought to be life-threatening.

Sections of the B3011 and the B3349 were closed for several hours while a police investigation took place at the scene.

The family thanked the emergency services, Family Support Officer and hospital staff for their "compassionate care and attention", adding: "We are absolutely devastated and request to be left in peace, to grieve in private, at this sad time."

Post-mortem examinations to confirm the causes of death are due to be held later this week.

Hampshire Constabulary's road death investigation team (RDIT) appealing for witnesses.

Senior investigating officer Sergeant Andy Lynch said: "We believe only one vehicle was involved in the collision, but we need to confirm the last known movements of the silver Volkswagen Golf. Therefore, I am appealing for anyone who saw this car being driven on the B3349 at Heckfield Heath near Wellington Country Park at around 10am on Christmas day."

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Hampshire's RDIT at Eastleigh police station by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Dhole or call Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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