THE family of a driver who died after a police chase on the M4 have paid tribute, calling him a “fantastic father”.

Andrew Gwynne, 35, from Lydney, died when his red Ford Focus crashed with a Land Rover as he drove eastbound between Junctions 30 and 32 in Cardiff at around 6pm on Saturday (August 5).

In a statement, South Wales Police said: “A stinger was deployed by police to stop the red Ford Focus after it had been sighted by traffic officers driving dangerously along the M4.”

The motorcycling fan’s family said in a statement: "To try and put into words what Andrew meant to us all is almost impossible to do. We as a family are beyond heartbroken with the tragic news of his death - losing him so suddenly is devastating.

“He will be so dearly missed and was a massive part of a large family. He was always fun and energetic; a true family orientated man who was a fantastic father, partner, son, uncle and great uncle, and brother, who has been taken from us so tragically.

“He will be sorely missed and the memories we all share will never leave any of us."

The matter is now being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission as Mr Gwynne, formerly from Chepstow, was being

pursued by police prior to the collision.

The driver of the Land Rover had to be cut free, but was not seriously injured.

An IPCC spokeswoman said: “We have an

independent investigation under way into a fatal road traffic collision following a police pursuit which happened on the eastbound carriageway of the M4 near the Junction 32 Coryton interchange at around 6pm on Saturday evening (5 August). A man in his 30s was pronounced dead following the incident.

“We understand he was in a Ford Focus which was being pursued by South Wales Police officers when it was in a collision with a Landrover.

“The driver of that vehicle was taken to hospital after being cut free but was not thought to be seriously injured.

"We were notified by South Wales Police and the IPCC deployed investigators to the scene and to attend the police post incident procedures.”

A friend of Mr Gwynne, Mark Fredrickson, said: “Andy was a loveable guy who would always put time aside for friends.”

“I’m deeply thinking of his family and especially his young daughter who he idolised, and she felt the same.”