TRIBUTES have been paid to a “lovely young man” who died in a crash at Keighley.

Heartfelt messages were placed with flowers at the scene of the accident – in Skipton Road, Utley – which claimed the life of 26-year-old Conor Mitchell.

One said simply: “Remember you always. Love you. Conor John Superstar.”

While another said “you were such a lovely young man, taken far too soon. RIP Conor.”

Mr Mitchell ­– from Skipton – was driving a silver Ford Focus along Skipton Road, towards Steeton, when it left the road and struck a wall at around 1.25am last Thursday.

Firefighters from Keighley and Bingley attended and freed Mr Mitchell – the sole occupant of the vehicle – from the wreckage.

He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with serious injuries, and died later that day.

No other vehicle was involved in the accident, which is being investigated by the West Yorkshire Police Major Collision Enquiry Team.

It is appealing for witnesses to the crash – which happened near Yew Bank Lodge, opposite the rugby union club – or anyone who saw what occurred just before the incident, to come forward.

Witnesses or anybody who may have dashcam footage are asked to contact the team on 101, or use the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website. The log reference is 94 of 20 February.

A neighbour spoke of the horrific scene last Thursday.

Neil Hibbert said he had just gone to bed shortly before 1.30am when there was a “phenomenal” noise.

“I’ve never heard a noise like it,” said Mr Hibbert, a chartered accountant.

“I’d been working late and was just about to go to sleep.

“Myself and other neighbours went outside to see what had happened.

“I rang 999 – I think quite a few people did – and the emergency services were there very quickly.”

He said it was a scene of devastation.

“The car was crushed and there was debris everywhere,” said Mr Hibbert.

“The top stones of the wall and the railings had been pushed back with the force of the impact.”

The road was closed for much of the morning.

In an online book of condolence opened following Mr Mitchell’s death, several people who knew him posted messages.

Emilie Novkovic said: “We love you today, tomorrow & forever.

“You had the biggest kindest heart, and we will miss you forever and a day! I can’t put into words the heartache you have left behind, I promise to look after your darling princess, we will keep your memories going and we will never forget you.”