FLOWERS have been laid at the scene of an early-morning crash in which a father-of-two died.

Ian Wilcox, aged 42, of Harwood, died when his Chevrolet Matiz was involved in a collision with a BMW 530 in Tonge Moor Road, Bolton, at 5.15am on Monday.

Flowers and messages have been laid near the scene of the tragedy at the junction with Matalan and Arc car wash.

One of the heartbreaking messages reads: “Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we miss you, until we meet again. Rest in Peace Ian. Taken far too soon. You will always be in our thoughts.”

Another one reads: “Ian, hard-working, devoted family man, taken too soon. You will be sadly missed, it wasn’t your time, mate. Keep smiling up there.”One of the heartbreaking messages reads: “Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we miss you, until we meet again. Rest in Peace Ian. Taken far too soon. You will always be in our thoughts.”

Another one reads: “Ian, hard-working, devoted family man, taken too soon. You will be sadly missed, it wasn’t your time, mate. Keep smiling up there.”

One of the heartbreaking messages reads: “Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we miss you, until we meet again. Rest in Peace Ian. Taken far too soon. You will always be in our thoughts.”

Another one reads: “Ian, hard-working, devoted family man, taken too soon. You will be sadly missed, it wasn’t your time, mate. Keep smiling up there.”

And a third bouquet had a note attached which read: “Rest in Peace Ian, God bless, x’

Writing on Facebook, Gareth Heaton said: “RIP mate, we had some great laughs together, u will be sadly missed”.

Steve Woodward wrote: “RIP Ian. True gent. Proper missed mate”.

A spokesman from logistics firm XPO, where Mr Wilcox, worked said: “We are saddened by the news of this tragic accident. Ian joined us two years ago and was a valued colleague at our sites in Leigh and Heywood. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family.”

The crash, involving a black Chevrolet Matiz and a silver BMW Five Series, happened just after 5am on Monday.

Mr Wilcox was taken to Salford Royal Hospital where he later died.

Two people, a 34-year-old man and a woman, were arrested on suspicion of drink driving and causing death by dangerous driving. Tonge Moor Road residents told The Bolton News of their shock following the crash. The road was closed in both directions from the junction with Thicketford Street to Turton Street.

Police are appealing for information and dash cam footage.

A statement said: “This was a tragic incident which has left a family absolutely devastated and I would like to offer my sincere condolences to them at this difficult time.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dash cam footage which may help us get a clearer idea of the circumstances surrounding the collision.”

Anybody with information should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.