THE girlfriend of a man who lost his foot in a horrific motorbike crash says the thought of him lying in the road screaming in pain will never go away.

Richard Sholl's motorbike was in collision with a Volvo estate car in Yew Tree Drive, Blackburn, last Friday.

Police say when the car was later traced, Mr Sholl's foot was still trapped in the bumper.

He has since had an operation to amputate part of his leg, just below the knee.

Diana Bonaminio today opened her heart exclusively to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and revealed how, after the accident, 36-year-old Mr Sholl, begged her to leave him for fear of becoming a burden.

Miss Bonaminio, who lives with Mr Sholl in Rhodes Avenue, Blackburn, said: "The thought of Richard lying on his back in the middle of the road having just had his foot ripped off, screaming in pain, will never go away.

"Richard says he knew he would die if help didn't arrive fast, as he could feel the blood spurting out of his leg and hear it on the Tarmac.

"He was conscious throughout and the pain was unbearable. Richard says he wouldn't have minded if he'd broken bones, they're mendable, but having half a leg amputated is permanent, you can't fix it.

"For two days Richard told me to leave him as he'd be a burden and I shouldn't have to cope with him. We are all devastated. We just can't believe it's happened."

Mr Sholl was fitted for a wheelchair on Wednesday and police say he is battling to come to terms with his situation.

Miss Bonaminio added: "Richard would like to thank somebody called Joe who stopped to help him. He was shouting at Richard to keep him with it and held onto him to bear some of the pain. He also wants to thank the lady who applied the tourniquet.

"We would like to thank the other people who stopped to assist, the doctors, nurses, paramedics and surgeons at Blackburn Royal Infirmary and Wythenshawe Hospital. The police have been very supportive to Richard, myself and family."

The driver of the car, a 23-year-old from the Stoke area, was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop after an accident. He has been released on police bail until November 24.

Police are appealing for those who stopped at the scene to come forward and are also appealing for witnesses to the collision to call Sergeant Keith Jackson on 01254 353767.