An inquest has been opened into the death of a man who died at the scene of a crash on the A14 at Beyton, near Bury St Edmunds.

Paul Cobbold, 53, was named as the van driver who died after a collision involving two lorries at around 6pm on Thursday, March 30. 

The court heard that Mr Cobbold was “mechanically trapped” in his vehicle, and had sustained multiple injuries.  

Despite the best efforts of the police and emergency services, he was declared dead at the scene, at around 6.37pm. 

A man in his 50s was arrested for causing death by dangerous driving, and was later released on bail.

In the days after his death, Mr Cobbold’s family described him as “gentle giant, funny, sarcastic, loving and dependable to all his family and friends, but most of all, he was our hero”. 

In a tribute issued by Suffolk Police, they said: "Born the summer of '69, Paul Ivan Cobbold was the perfect example of a Bramford boy. 

“The youngest of four siblings and despite difficulties in his early childhood, Paul never failed to leave an impression on everyone he met. 

"Becoming a dad at 18 and later getting married, Paul strived to do the best for his family. His four children, Robert, Sean, Emma and Rebecca were the lights of his life, blessing him with five amazing grandchildren. 

“Paul worked in the building industry for over 34 years, both on a self-employed and employed basis. He was a multi skilled tradesman and had trained many apprentices over the years. 

“In 2009, he met his partner, Jackie Leeks and became a wonderful dad to Jensen and Macey.  

“Jackie and Paul were engaged in August 2022 with plans to marry later this year.”