Two motorbikers killed in separate Shropshire crashes

TWO MOTORCYCLISTS have died and a third has been left seriously injured in separate crashes on Shropshire roads.

A 48-year-old man died at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital today after his motorcycle collided with a car on the A488 between Shrewsbury and Bishop's Castle at about 1pm yesterday. It comes after a 53-year-old biker died at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital also yesterday.

He had collided with another motorcycle on the A4117 at Henley near Ludlow at about 12.45pm.

This collision involved a bronze-coloured Honda and a black Kawasaki motorcycle, which was travelling in the opposite direction.

The Kawasaki rider was taken to Hereford Hospital with suspected spinal, shoulder and head injuries, which were not thought to be life-threatening.

Meanwhile, the later crash on the A488 happened at the turning for Churchstoke, where the road splits from the A489 near Lydham.

Hospital

A black Aprilia motorcycle travelling north towards Shrewsbury collided with a blue Citroen Xantia car, which was going in the opposite direction.

The motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, where he died early today.

A West Midland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said the man had been resuscitated after going into cardiac arrest at the hospital, but had since died.

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Richard Ewels, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "We are anxious to hear from anyone who either saw the actual collisions, or the circumstances leading up to them.

"Anyone with information which might assist the police should contact Shrewsbury police station on 0300 333 3000."

The two men who died have yet to be formally named.

The coroner for south Shropshire Mr Anthony Sibcy has been informed and post mortems followed by inquests will be held in due course.

Meanwhile, a crash involving two lorries partially blocked the A5 near Shrewsbury just after 8am today.

By Danny Carden