POLICE in Leyland have launched an appeal after a Saturday afternoon bike ride turned to tragedy.

Neil Lawrenson, 23, died after his silver Suzuki 600cc bike, which he was riding along the A49 Wigan Road, collided with a Ford Escort at the junction with Heald House Lane.

The driver of the dark coloured Escort, 23-year-old Steven Baker, of Lindsay Avenue, Leyland, escaped from the accident unhurt but Mr Lawrenson, of Preston Road, Coppull, died of his injuries. Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to establish the cause of the tragedy.

A spokesman for Leyland Traffic Police said: "The accident happened at around 1pm on Saturday afternoon at the junction of Wigan Road and Heald House Road.

"We are appealing for information and anyone who saw anything should contact Chorley Police on 269021."

A neighbour of Mr Lawrenson said: "He was a lad who kept himself to himself, but was very polite.

"It is such a shame. He was such a nice man."

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