Teacher dies in crash

A TEACHER was killed when his motorcycle collided head-on with a lorry near Uckfield, on Tuesday.

The rider, Roger Harvey, 58, of Olives Meadow, Uckfield, was travelling towards Uckfield along the B2102 Framfield Road near Hailwell Farm.

His red Ducati was in collision with a large goods vehicle, travelling in the other direction.

Mr Harvey was killed instantly as a result of 'severe injuries'. His body was taken to Eastbourne District General.

The lorry driver has not been named.

The road was blocked for four hours while police carried out a traffic investigation and firemen hosed away oil and petrol.

Mr Harvey was a physics and electronics teacher at The Skinners' School in Tunbridge Wells.

He was married with two adult sons. His family had lived in Olives Meadow for 30 years. Members of the family were this week too distressed to comment.

A neighbour spoke of his shock at Mr Harvey's death. He said: 'I couldn't believe it. He had his bikes but he was a very careful rider. He was very well thought of and well liked. He was a very nice man and he had a lovely family.'

The headteacher of The Skinners' School, Mr Peter Braggins, said yesterday that colleagues and pupils had been shocked by Mr Harvey's death.

'He was an enthusiastic teacher of physics and electronics who had been an inspiration to many boys who shared his enthusiasm for mountaineering, rock climbing and outdoor pursuits.'

Mr Harvey had taught at the school since 1990.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident, which happened at 12.10pm on Tuesday. Anybody with information should contact Sgt Sinden at Haywards Heath Traffic on 0845 6070999.