A man who was killed in an horrific ten vehicle pile-up on Tuesday was a popular member of staff at a Watford supermarket, it has been revealed.

Checkout manager Matt Barker was fatally injured on the A41, at junction 20 of the M25.

Police, paramedics, fire crews and an air ambulance were called to the A41, at Junction 20 of the M25, at about 9.15am, following reports of a huge smash including ten vehicles, including a petrol tanker and a large lorry, .

Mr Barker, from Aylesbury, had been driving a silver Ford Focus.

His wife and mother identified his body yesterday afternoon.

Mr Barker had worked at the Watford branch of Tesco for the past ten years.

He started his career on the shop floor 23 years ago, progressing to checkout manager at the Waterfield store.

Yesterday, members of staff were said to have been left stunned by the news of his death.

A checkout assistant, who had worked alongside Mr Barker for a number of years, said: “A notice explaining what had happened was pinned to the board in the staffroom.

“Some people started crying, others have been left in complete and utter shock. I think most of us are still trying to take it all in.

“Everyone knew Matt, he was really well liked.

“He probably wouldn’t have driven that way, if there hadn’t been all of those problems on the M1. It’s just unbelievable.

“It’s his wife and kids you feel the worst for though. It’s terrible.”

According to other members of staff, he was believed to have changed his shift for that day at the last minute.

Tesco store manager, Graham Illingworth, paid tribute to Mr Barker.

He said: “Matt was a highly valued, trusted and hard working team member.

“He will be sorely missed by all staff at the store and by the customers he served. “All our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Nine others were injured in the ten vehicle pile-up, including a woman who is undergoing treatment for serious damage to her arm at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.

A 42-year-old Romanian national, Ionel Bordieanu has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been remanded and will appear at St Albans Crown Court on May 3rd for a plea and directions hearing.