A CROWD-FUNDING page has raised more than £2,500 for the family of a prison officer who was killed near Stonehenge last week.

Set up by colleagues of Kizito Ssewanyana, the page reached its cash target over the weekend.

It came after the 34-year-old, who was working as an officer at HM Prison Erlestoke, died at the scene on the A303 – between the Countess and Longbarrow roundabouts, when his car crashed into a parked lorry at just after 6.30am on May 8.

Mr Ssewanyana, reportedly of Amesbury, has been labelled as "the kindest, happiest and most genuine soul we’ve ever known".

The money will go to the former Royal Fusilier's wife and two children.

Salisbury Journal:

The crowdfunding page read: "On Wednesday, May 8 our dear friend Kizzy was involved in a fatal collision on his way to work where he was a serving officer at HMP Erlestoke.

"There aren’t enough words to describe how incredible this man was - the kindest, happiest and most genuine soul we’ve ever known.

"Your personality and smile would light up any room. Working alongside you has been an absolute joy, pleasure and honour. You were an exceptional man our ‘bredda'.

"We will forever be grateful to have known you and been able to call you not just a friend but one of the family.

"The Erlestoke family are reaching out and raising funds for Kizzy’s family during this devastating time. All funds raised will go to his wife and children.

"A true hero. We will see you on the other side Kizito."

To donate to the page, click here.

As reported, his family said: "We have lost a father, husband, brother, son and a friend with a beautiful soul, passionate and extremely promising with so much more to do.

"Friends and family knew Kizito as the kindest Dad and the best husband ever.

"He always thought of others before himself. He served his country above himself. His death has left a massive hole in our lives and we will miss him forever.

"He joined the British Army and served with diligence in the Royal Fusiliers Regiment. At the time of his death, Kizito was serving as a Prison Officer with Her Majesty’s Prisons Service Erlestoke.

"We would like to thank the emergency services who rushed to the scene of the accident and attended Kizito. They did their best to save his life.

"Our thanks also go to everyone in the community who kindly supported us yesterday and continue to do so at this difficult time."

Wiltshire Police says that the investigation into the "circumstances of the collision" is ongoing.

Officers are encouraging anyone with information to come forward, by calling 101 with any information.