Family pay tribute to motorcyclist with ‘lifelong passion’

The family of a man who died following a collision in Shepshed have paid tribute to a ‘devoted husband’ and ‘amazing father’.

Police were called to Charley Road just after 8.45am on Sunday (5 July) following a report of a single-vehicle collision involving a red Yamaha MT07 motorcycle.

Officers attended with colleagues from the East Midlands Ambulance Service but the rider, Douglas Burton, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, Mr Burton’s family said: “At 84 years old, he was still doing what he had loved since the age of 16. Motorcycling was his lifelong passion and he spent countless hours restoring and renovating motorcycles with incredible skill and dedication.

“He was the devoted husband of Martha for 63 wonderful years. As childhood sweethearts, they built a lifetime of love together. He was an amazing father to his three children, always encouraging and supporting us throughout our lives and careers.

“He was also an outstanding grandfather to five beautiful grandchildren, who adored him and will forever treasure the love, guidance, and kindness he gave so freely.

“He was a true gentleman – kind, caring, humble and respected by everyone who knew him. His gentle nature touched so many lives, and he will be forever loved and deeply missed.”

Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about this incident – including motorists with dashcam footage – to come forward.

You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/making-a-road-traffic-incident-report/ and quoting reference 26*394176 or calling 101.

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Leicestershire Police News - Published :10:08 08/07/2026