A FAMILY has today paid tribute to a Soham man who died on Christmas Day after a horror crash on the A14.

Thomas Allen, 23, died at Ipswich Hospital after suffering critical head injuries in the incident near the junction for Sproughton.

Up to four cars are thought to have hit horses loose on the carriageway around 10.20pm on Christmas Eve.

Mr Allen’s family, paying tribute, said: “Words cannot express the loss and devastation we are all feeling. Thomas was simply the perfect son.

“He was a kind, thoughtful, happy young man, with a wicked sense of humour. He was just thrilled with the purchase of his new car. Sadly driving this would result in his early death.

“He was liked and loved by everyone who met him. He worked at Booker Cash and Carry and had recently been promoted.

“Life was going really well when he tragically died. He was on the road to great things.

“He was adored by his young sister and all our lives will never be the same.”

Three of the horses, one of them a mare in foal, died at the scene.

The westbound stretch of the A14 was closed for more than 12 hours throughout Christmas Day while accident investigators tried to establish exactly what had happened.

A 26-year-old man was arrested was on suspicion of causing danger to road users. He was interviewed at the Martlesham police investigation centre and released on police bail until February 28.