Motorcyclist killed on Shropshire road

A MAN HAS died after losing control of his motorbike and crashing into a grass verge in Shropshire. The victim died at the scene of the accident on the A49 at Hinton, near Whitchurch, last night.

The man, who had suffered multiple serious injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police closed the A49 at the junction of the B5476 and Bradley Green Road after the accident, which happened outside Hinton Bank Farm at 7.55pm.

No other vehicle was involved and the man, who has not yet been formally identified, is believed to be in his 40s and from Lancashire.

Police say they are anxious to trace witnesses.

Police Constable Daniel Yates, one of the investigating officers, said: "We believe the motorcyclist was riding his red Honda VFR 750 along the A49 from the Cheshire direction towards Whitchurch.

"He was about one mile ahead of some friends on motorcycles when for some reason he has lost control of his machine and gone into the grass verge.

"A group of what is believed to be five motorcyclists have stopped just a few seconds after the incident and tried to help him.

"His friends have then come across the scene and tended to him while the five motorcyclists who originally stopped have then left before the arrival of the police.

"Unfortunately, they did not leave any details and we are appealing to them to get in touch by contacting Shrewsbury police station on 0300 3333000 as a matter of urgency."

The road was closed for several hours.

A motorcyclist suffered leg and arm injuries in a separate collision with a car on the Malpas Road, Whitchurch, shortly before 1.05pm yesterday.