Tributes paid to young badminton player who died in A47 crash

Bradley Smith, who was 18 and from Cecil Road, Norwich, died as a result of injuries sustained in a crash on the road near Swaffham on Sunday, November 3.

A keen badminton player, Mr Smith was selected to represent his county at the sport, an achievement his family has proudly reflected on in a touching tribute to him.

In a statement issued on Monday, his family said: "Bradley was a wonderful, loving son, brother, grandson, nephew cousin and friend.

"He was one of Norfolk's most talented young badminton players who had recently been selected for the Norfolk senior county second team.

"He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, due to his kind, caring and funny personality."

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On Monday, an inquest into Mr Smith's death opened at Norfolk Coroner's Court in Norwich.

The medical cause of death was given as a cerebral haemorrhage as a result of a road traffic collision.

A full inquest was scheduled for May.

The crash happened just over a week ago, approximately half a mile from the A47's junction with Norwich Road near Swaffham.

Mr Smith, who worked as an apprentice printer, the inquest opening heard, was driving a Kia Rio when he was involved in a crash with a Fiat Doblo and a Mercedes Vito van.

Members of the public scrambled to free him before emergency services arrived.

He was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital but died the following day.

The driver of the Fiat was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn after suffering serious arm injuries.

Anybody who saw the crash, has dash-cam footage of it or who saw the manner of driving of any of the vehicles prior to the collision should contact PC Michael Stolworthy at the Swaffham roads and armed police ream on 101 quoting CAD reference 375 of Sunday, November 3 or by emailing michael.stolworthy@norfolk.pnn.police.uk