A PILOT based at Stansted Airport was one of two motorcyclists who died in a crash near Steeple Bumpstead on Saturday night. Simon Philpot, 41, from Parsonage Lane, Bishop s Stortford, died at the scene when his black Aprilia motorbike collided with two o

A PILOT based at Stansted Airport was one of two motorcyclists who died in a crash near Steeple Bumpstead on Saturday night.

Simon Philpot, 41, from Parsonage Lane, Bishop's Stortford, died at the scene when his black Aprilia motorbike collided with two other motorcyclists travelling in convoy on the B1054 Sturmer Road near the A1017 junction, in the village of New England at 6.15pm on Saturday.

A third man escaped injury.

Mr Philpot, originally from Jersey, lived with his wife Leoni in Bishop's Stortford for the past 12 years, although they had been together for 17 years and married for four.

He trained as a mechanical engineer at Liverpool University and met his wife at the Jersey Aero Club. He was a flying instructor and pilot working for Titan Airways based at Stansted Airport.

Gene Willson, managing director of the airline, said: "Simon worked for us for the past four-and-a-half years.

"He was employed as the fleet captain for our BAe146 aircraft.

"Simon was a brilliant pilot, great manager and a very special person. We will always remember his constantly happy, smiling face."

In a tribute, his wife Leoni said: "Simon has left an enormous void in all of our lives. He was regarded as a trusted friend and colleague by many. He meant everything to me."

Mr Philpot was a huge Elvis and comedy fan who had a passion for flying and riding his motorbike. He leaves behind a wife, two brothers and a sister.

The second man who died in the accident was 29-year-old Darren Elmy from Ipswich, who was riding a red and white Yamaha bike.

His interest in motorbikes started from an early age and he stopped playing football to focus on that.

In a family tribute his parents, Ken and Janet Elmy and fiancée Charlotte said: "Darren was so special, he was such a loving son, brother and partner. He could bring sunshine and laughter to everyone. Once you met Darren he made such an impact on your life. He made friends with everyone."

Three ambulance crews and a paramedic attended the scene on Saturday. Paramedic team leader Shani Nicholls said: "It appeared that one of the motorcyclists was demonstrating a manoeuvre to a fellow rider.

"The motorcyclist and an oncoming rider were involved in a collision with each other; sadly by the time we arrived, there was nothing we could do to save them.

"This was a difficult job for all involved and our thoughts are with the families of the men who died."

A 31-year-old man from Ipswich was arrested in connection with the incident, gave a statement to police and has now been released on bail until January.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call police on 01376 330722.