The frontman of a successful Dire Straits tribute band from Newcastle has been killed in a motorcycle smash along with his girlfriend.

Andrew Lartey, 30, and passenger Georgia Tate, 23, both from Newcastle, died in the crash, which happened in the Scottish Borders on Sunday. Andrew was the lead singer of tribute act, The Straits UK, and performed in the band alongside his dad, Dez. The smash also claimed the life of 37-year-old Jason Gibbon, from Northumberland.

He wrote: “It is with profound sadness and deep regret that I announce the passing of my son and frontman of The Straits UK. Andrew was tragically taken from us, along with his girlfriend Georgia, on Sunday afternoon following a motorcycle accident on the Scottish Borders. We obviously weren’t aware at the time, but those of you that seen us in Ormskirk on Saturday night witnessed our very last performance.

“Andrew was an absolute gentleman with not a malicious bone in his body. I’m sure that came across to those of you that spoke to us after our performances. I would like to pay tribute to him, not only as his father but as a fellow band member. He practised long and hard striving for perfection. He was the most humble human being you are ever likely to meet, and never ever thought he was anything special. He was. Andrew and Georgia will be missed by all those that knew them.”

Andrew and Georgia’s grieving families also released a joint statement through Police Scotland.

It said: “We are devastated by the loss of Georgia and Andrew, they will be sorely missed by all who knew them.”

And in a statement Jason’s family said: “We are devastated of the loss of a much-loved son, brother, uncle, boyfriend and devoted friend to many. He will be greatly, sadly missed. We are comforted by the messages from many. We would like to ask for privacy to allow the family to grieve at this very difficult time.”

Jason was riding his Suzuki GSXR on the A6088 between Bonchester Bridge and Carter Bar when it was involved in a collision with a Kawasaki ZX1400 motorbike with Andrew and Georgia onboard.

Andrew, Georgia and Jason, were among eight people to lose their lives on the roads in Scotland last weekend.

Chief Supt Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing said: “This weekend we have seen a high number of fatalities on Scotland’s roads, each of these deaths is tragic and our thoughts are with those affected. There have also been a number of serious collisions. Our officers are carrying out inquiries into each of these crashes. We work tirelessly to fully investigate every serious and fatal road collision and provide support to the families of the victims.

“Road policing remains a priority for Police Scotland, and we will continue to work very closely with a range of partners to improve road safety for all users. A collision affects more than just you and your car – it impacts your family, the victim’s family, emergency services and people who witness it.

“I urge every driver and road user to think about their behaviour on the road, be considerate towards others and help us make Scotland’s roads safe for everyone. We all have a responsibility to use our roads safely and to help save lives.”