A YOUNG motorcyclist had to have his leg amputated after a road accident in Leyland on Thursday.

Matthew Peter Orrell, 23, of the Yewlands Drive area in Leyland crashed his motorbike into the back of a BMW on Stanifield Lane.

His leg was nearly severed in the accident, and after being airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital it had to be amputated.

The driver of the BMW, Emma Livesey, 25, of Crown Street, Farington, suffered shock.

It is believed Mr Orrell hit the BMW on his Honda motorbike after the car slowed to turn from Stanifield Lane into Stoney Lane, at around 11.25am.

The road was closed for about three hours.

Anybody with information should contact the road policing unit at Chorley police on 01257 246281.