when his motorbike ploughed into a fire hydrant in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Police are continuing their inquiries into the single vehicle accident which claimed the life of 32-year-old Brian Campbell.

Mr. Campbell died after his motorbike struck the fire hydrant near Clearwater Beach in St. David's.

The Clearwater Ambulance crew rushed to the scene when the accident was reported at just before 1 a.m. on Sunday.

Mr. Campbell, of Traveller's Lane, Pembroke, suffered severe injuries and was taken to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, but was certified dead at 1.55 a.m.

Friends of Mr. Campbell, who had a desk job with courier firm Federal Express, said he had a keen interest in fast motorbikes and cleaned his Firefox bike every day.

They described Mr. Campbell, who was single, as an inspirational figure who did not smoke or drink and loved sports.

Friends who gathered at Mr. Campbell's home last night said they were stunned to hear reports of his death.

David Leverock, 22, said: "I felt like my brother was dead. He was a very friendly, fun guy and very good natured.

"He was into basketball and was beginning weightlifting. He was very deeply into his bikes and cleaned his bike every day.'' Hazekiah Outerbridge, 19, said he and his friends thought of Mr. Campbell as an "inspirational and charismatic'' figure.

A neighbour said: "He liked fast bikes. He was a really nice clean-living guy who didn't smoke or drink. He was cool.'' It was not clear where Mr. Campbell was going or if he was with anyone else at the time of the crash. None of his frends who were at his house were with him when the accident occurred.

Mr. Campbell's friends said he had two brothers and a sister. Witnesses, or anyone with information about the crash are asked to call PC Wesley Watson.