Motorbike rider seriously hurt in crash at busy junction

Officers in a police van were responding to a "grade one" call for concern for the welfare of a person - the highest graded response for emergency calls - at around 10.05pm on Saturday in Leigh.

Other news: Police bid to find 'rightful owner' of projector suspected to have been stolenAs the van approached the traffic lights on Twist Lane, at the junction with Atherleigh Way, a white off-road motorcycle was involved in a collision with a blue Audi A3, which was travelling through the junction.

The officers in the van stopped and spoke to the driver of the Audi and an ambulance was called.

The motorcyclist - a man in his 20s - was taken to hospital, where he remains for treatment to serious head and leg injuries.

His family has been informed and is at the hospital with him.

No arrests have been made and police are appealing for dash-cam footage and sightings of the motorcycle prior to the collision.

PC Pete Cunningham, of Greater Manchester Police's serious collision investigation unit, said: “We remained at the scene for a number of hours overnight but all roads are now fully reopened and we’re continuing to piece together the events leading up to the collision.

“We’re particularly interested in speaking to anyone who saw the motorcycle in the Leigh area that evening – by speaking to you, we may be able to build a fuller picture of what has exactly happened so we’re able to progress with our investigation.

“The motorcyclist is in a serious condition in hospital and we’re supporting his family as he receives the treatment he needs but need anyone with information, dash-cam footage or witness accounts to contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the serious collision investigation unit on 0161 856 4741, quoting reference 2289 of August 4, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.