FOUR lives have been claimed since Friday (6th September) in a string of fatal incidents on Monmouthshire's roads. Gwent Police are urging all motorists to take care when driving, with the Chief Inspector Operational Support, Paul Evans stating: "Since Friday we have seen three tragic incidents on roads in Monmouthshire which have resulted in the loss of four lives. "It is extremely rare to see this number of fatal collisions in the Gwent Police force area in such a short space of time. "Officers are undertaking a thorough investigation in relation to each case to determine the cause of each collision." Last Friday (6th September) 11-year-old Chepstow boy Harrison Marshall (pictured right) and 44-year-old local man Ryan Griffiths were killed in a collision on the A466 Wye Valley Link Road at 4.37pm. Harrison, who left Chepstow's Thornwell School this summer to start in Year 7 at Chepstow Comprehensive, was described by his schools as "a friend to everyone, and we all remember the way he cared for all those children in his class at school. "Harrison was a well-loved boy with a wicked sense of humour. His happy and sunny personality made an impression on everyone he met. "He is a big loss to both schools and to the community. His friends at Chepstow School spent the day sharing memories of Harrison and making a memory board for him." Harrison was travelling in a black Vauxhall Corsa with two females who both received minor injuries when it was in a collision with Mr Griffiths' blue Subaru. Emergency services including fire, ambulance, air ambulance and police dealt with the incident and officers are still investigating the circumstances. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to ring 101 quoting log 393 06/09/13. Officers are particularly keen to speak to a cyclist who was travelling towards Chepstow and was in the vicinity at the time of the collision. A second fatal collision was recorded when police received a report at about 2.15pm last Monday (9th September) on the A449 Southbound between Usk and Newport. The collision involved a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) and a Transit-type van. One of the two people travelling in the van was pronounced dead at the scene, ad has been named by police as Robert Smith, aged 20 from Bridgend. Roberts family have released a tribute, stating:

"Robert was a wonderful son to Garry and Catherine, he was a loving big brother to Andrew (aged 18), Grandson, Uncle, Boyfriend, Nephew and cousin, as well as a good friend and colleague to many. He will be so sadly missed by everyone that knew him and his death will leave a large void in many people's lives.

His family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support given since they received the tragic news and they would also like to pass on their support and thoughts to the family of the driver who have been so sadly affected as a result of this tragic situation."

A second man travelling with Robert in the van, said to be 47 years old, remains in a critical condition at the University Hospital of Wales.

The one occupant of the HGV, a 57 year old man from the Birmingham area, suffered minor injuries and has been released from hospital.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision and they are asked to call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log 229 09/09/13. Gwent Police were called to a third serious road traffic collision on Monday (9th September) at about 6.50pm on the A4042, between Llanellen Bridge and the Hardwick roundabout, Abergavenny. The collision involved four vehicles; two HGVs, a blue Ford Focus and a Vauxhall Combo van. The 21-year-old driver of the Ford Focus, named Robert Bell, from Long Sutton, Somerset, received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two of the drivers in the other vehicles were taken to hospital  to be treated for minor injuries and were later released. The driver of the fourth vehicle was unhurt. The road was closed for a number of hours while emergency services including fire, ambulance,  and police dealt with the incident and officers are currently investigating the circumstances. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to ring 101 quoting log 449 09/09/13. Chief Inspector Paul Evans said: "Our thoughts are currently with the families of those involved, and we have specially trained officers supporting them at this very difficult time. "Road safety remains a priority for us. We always encourage motorists to take care during their journeys, be aware of the conditions, and drive in accordance with the law.