IPSWICH Witches promoter Chris Louis has paid tribute after a British speedway rider was killed in a horrific crash.

Lee Richardson, who had ridden against the Witches at Foxhall many times, was racing in Poland when he apparently hit a safety barrier head first.

He suffered serious injuries and later died in a Warsaw hospital.

“It’s difficult to know what to say,” Witches promoter Louis said.

“Lee wasn’t a wild rider, he could be hard when he wanted to, but he was calculated and all the riders considered him a safe rider.

“I rode with him for England and in World Cups. It’s just such a tragedy.”

Twitter users were quick to pay tribute to the 33-year-old Great Britain and Lakeside Hammers racer. Dan Ball wrote: “RIP Lee Richardson. A great racer and another one lost to the sport. It doesn’t seem real.”

Paul H MRH posted: “RIP Lee Richardson speedway great... prayers go out to his family at this sad time.”

A statement on the Lakeside Hammers website reads: “The Lakeside Hammers captain died in Poland as a result of injuries sustained in a racing accident.

“All at the club are devastated at the loss of a great captain, man and more than anything a wonderful father and husband. Our thoughts are with his family at this most sad of times and we know that all Hammers fans will share our total devastation at this tragic news.”

- Buy Tuesday’s papers for more on the tragedy.