Dorset Police news site

The family of a man who very sadly died in a road traffic collision in Wimborne have paid tribute to their loved one.

At 10.11pm on Wednesday 4 October 2023 officers were called by the ambulance service to reports of a collision on the B3078 Julians Road involving a car and a bicycle.

The rider of the bicycle, named by his family as 40-year-old James Raeburn, sustained serious injuries and very sadly died at the scene.

The car involved was a red Vauxhall Corsa and the driver, a local woman aged in her 20s, was arrested on suspicion of driving offences. She remains released on police bail while enquiries continue.

James’ family have issued the following tribute: “James was an amazing and caring person, who had overcome a lot of obstacles in his life.

“He had a love of 60s and 70s music and horror films. He would travel for miles on his bike and enjoy long walks. 

“His life was just coming together, and he was the happiest he has ever been, enjoying his charity work at Oxfam in Parkstone, thanks to the staff he was more confident and sure of what he was doing. He was also starting to volunteer at Hospital Radio Bedside.”

Police Sergeant Gareth Thomas, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of James Raeburn.

“James’ family have now shared a tribute to him and have issued an image of James that was taken during his time volunteering at Hospital Radio Bedside.

“We are continuing to investigate the collision and I am appealing to any witnesses who have not already spoken to police, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage, to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230157876. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.