TRIBUTES have been paid to a “loving” grandmother killed in a crash.

Nicola Jane Connolly died aged 54 following a crash on the A533 Northwich Road in Bartington.

Runcorn resident Nicola had been a passenger on a Benelli TRK motorbike when it collided with a Ford Transit flatbed tipper on Friday (September 15).

She was airlifted to hospital where she later passed away.

A tribute from Nicola’s family read: “On Sunday, September 17, Nicola Jane Connolly tragically passed away after being involved in a road traffic collision in Cheshire.

“Nicola was a loving member of the community and the local schools. Her roles as a classroom assistant, midday Assistant, and lollipop lady were for her, a devotion rather than a job.

“Nicola was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, auntie, and beloved friend to many. Words cannot describe how much she will truly be missed.

“We would like to thank the emergency services and members of the public for their help during the incident and ask that our privacy is respected at this this difficult time.”

READ MORE: Motorbike passenger dies after crash near Northwich

The fatal crash occured near the entrance of Dones View Farm shortly before 5pm on Friday (September 15).

Nicola had been a passenger on a motorbike.

The rider of the bike, a 53-year-old man from Runcorn, was also taken to hospital, with minor injuries, and has since been discharged.

The driver of the tipper, a 29-year-old man from Runcorn, was not injured.

Cheshire Police is continuing to investigate the crash.

Inspector Steve Griffiths, of the Serious and Complex Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was an incredibly tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who died.

“As part of our investigation, we are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

“We are especially interested in speaking to the occupants of a red motor car which passed the motorcycle immediately prior to the collision who may have valuable information for the investigators.

“The same goes for anyone who has any dashcam or CCTV footage, that may help us determine how this incident occurred."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is asked to call the police on 101 or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML-1645787.