THE HEARTBROKEN family of a 28-year-old woman who died in a motorbike accident in Rowley Regis have paid an emotional tribute to the "best friend to many".

Katie Elizabeth Dean died after the motorbike she was riding hit a wall in Hawes Lane, near The Rowley Bar & Grill Rowley Regis.

Medics fought to save Katie but she died shortly after arriving at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth hospital.

The accident happened just after midnight last Friday (March 15).

A family tribute, released through West Midlands Police, said: “Katie Elizabeth Dean was a loving daughter to Lisa and Carl, baby sister of Tracy and best friend to many.

"Katie will be sadly missed but never forgotten."

Wayne Ricketts posted a tribute on Facebook. He said: "Always shined in any room, brightened up any room and now its your turn to brighten up the skies up there... gone but you still live on in all of our hearts my crazy friend. Was a privilege to have known you thanks for being a good friend so till we meet again Rest in Peace."

Em Rogers posted: "So beautiful and kind-hearted.

"Glad I had the chance to know her.

"Will be missed by so many x r.i.p x"

The family are being supported by specialist officers as police appealed for witnesses to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit via email at FL_COLLISION_INVEST@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101 or Live Chat via WMP Online. Quote log 25 15/3.