A tragic accident has claimed the life of a popular ambulance station officer at Enfield's Chase Farm Hospital and one of his dogs when his car collided with a tree

Tributes are being paid to Chingford paramedic Keith Walker, 44, who died last week.

Mr Walker worked for LAS for over 10 years, and was latterly the duty station officer at Chase Farm ambulance station in Enfield.

His wife Gill was being comforted by her family and messages of condolences from friends and colleagues.

The accident happened last Thursday when Mr Walker was taking his four dogs to Epping Forest for a walk.

His red Toyota estate car left Rangers Road and hit a tree.

Firefighters from Chingford and Woodford cut Mr Walker free. He died instantly in the collision.

A border collie died at the scene, and vets from the VetCall practice in Station Road were called to treat the other animals.

Two of the dogs, another border collie and a Saluki, ran off into the woods. Mrs Walker was taken to the forest by colleagues of Mr Walker and rescued the pair by calling for them.

A crossbreed dog was treated at VetCall but has now returned home.

Phil Thwaites, firefighter at Chingford, said: "We worked as quickly as we could with the Woodford team. Everyone did all they could to save the casualty. The paramedics were highly professional and it was a real team effort."

Mr Walker was known to many people in the community. He regularly walked his dogs in the forest and also did voluntary work for a nearby swan sanctuary.

Steve Colhoun, Chase Farm ambulance operations manager, said: "Keith's death is a great loss to the London Ambulance Service.

"He was very caring and always provided the highest standard of care to his patients. He was well respected and well liked by all of his colleagues and would always go out of his way to help others. He was a real character and will be sorely missed."

A witness appeal has been launched by the police and the cause of the accident is being investigated.

Mr Walker's funeral will be held at 11.15am on Tuesday in All Saints Church, Old Church Road, Chingford.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact the Chadwell Heath traffic garage on 8597 4874.

A book of condolence has been opened online for Keith's family,