Family's tribute to man who died coming home from rugby match

At around 4.55pm on Sunday police were called to reports of a collision involving a blue and white Austin Mini Sky Rose and a white BMW.

The Mini had been travelling west along St Helens Road towards Atherleigh Way when it was involved in a collision with the BMW that had been travelling east along St Helens Road.

The driver of the Mini, 64-year-old Gerald Seddon from Newton-Le-Willows, suffered fatal injuries and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

His passengers – a 32-year-old man and a 41 year-old-man were taken to hospital. The 32-year-old man is still in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and the 41-year-old man is now recovering at home.

The trio were returning home from a Leigh Centurions game at Leigh Sports Village.

The driver of the BMW suffered minor injuries and remained at the scene to speak with officers.

No arrests have been made.

Gerald’s family said: “Gerald was a lifelong Leigh Centurions supporter and lived for Northern Soul Weekends.

“We are just shocked and numb and coming to terms with what has happened.”

PC Seamus Toal from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “My thoughts continue for be with Gerald’s family at this devastating time.

“Gerald had been at the Leigh Centurions match and was on his way home when the collision happened.

“We are still appealing for anyone who saw the collision to get in touch, particularly if you have dash-cam footage, we are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.”

Anyone with information or dash-cam footage should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 846 4741 quoting reference number 1512 of 04/02/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111