Tributes have been paid to two drivers who tried to help a mother on the A303 before all three were killed in a crash with a lorry. 

Emergency services were called just after 8.40am on Wednesday, August 25, after a HGV was involved in a collision with a Vauxhall Astra, a food delivery van, and a recovery truck. 

The victims have now been named as mother-of-two Alex Britton, from Portsmouth, Tina Ince, from Southampton, and recovery worker Tom Watson, also from Southampton.

The family of Alex, who was due to get married in February, say they want to thank Tina and Tom who stopped to help her before they were all killed.

In a statement they said: “Our heartfelt sympathies go to the families of the two kind drivers who tried to help her on the A303, who also lost their lives. Words aren’t enough.”

Tina's loved ones said: "She lived how she died - helping people." 

Police arrested the 38-year-old lorry driver, from Shropshire, on suspicion of drug-driving and causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on bail.

Hampshire Constabulary is appealing for witnesses to contact them on 101. 

Alex Britton

Alex was 28 from Fifth Avenue in Portsmouth. Her loved ones have described her as a "wonderful mother" who was "beautiful inside and out".

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Paying tribute, they said in a joint statement: “Alex was fun, caring, a joy to be with, and a wonderful mother.

“We are all devastated by what has happened. She leaves behind two very young girls and a partner who she was to marry in February.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go to the families of the two kind drivers who tried to help her on the A303, who also lost their lives. Words aren’t enough.”

Tina Ince

Tina, 58, was from Lydgate Road in Southampton. Her family spoke of her "heart of gold" and said "words" couldn't explain how much she would be missed.

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They said: “Tina was a kind and generous person with a heart of gold. She lived as she died: helping people.

“Words do not begin to describe how much she will be missed by those who knew her.

“She was strong, hardworking, and truly one of a kind."

Tom Watson 

Recovery driver Tom Watson, 30, was from Cheriton Avenue in Southampton. His family said they have been left "devastated" by his passing. 

Paying tribute, they said: “Our lovely Tom was a kind-hearted, generous man who loved to help people and do anything for his family.

“We are absolutely devastated that he has been taken from us. He was everything to his loving parents, wife, and the rest of his family.

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“He loved his friends, many of whom are like part of the family.

“He also loved his job as a recovery driver. His best friend also worked in the industry and you couldn’t stop them talking about it when they were together.

“We will all miss him terribly. The fact that Tom is no longer with us will always cause us pain but he will forever be in our hearts until we meet again.”

Police appeal 

Hampshire Constabulary arrested a 38-year-old lorry driver, from Donnington in Shropshire, on suspicion of driving a vehicle while unfit through drugs and causing death by dangerous driving. The force released him has been released under investigation.

A force spokesman said: "We are still keen to hear from anyone who may have information that could help our investigation into what happened.

"Please call 101 or report it online on our website, quoting the reference number 44210338980."