POLICE officers were in mourning today for a former Lancashire Chief Superintendent and athlete killed in a motorbike accident.

Barry Sanderson, 53, died when his BMW bike left the road yesterday lunchtime on a bend on Rivington Lane, Rivington. No other vehicle was involved.

Mr Sanderson, of Lostock Hall, had worked all over the country and was Chief Superintendent of Chorley Police until he retired in 1993 and took up a post at Lancaster University.

He was also recognised as one of Lancashire's finest all-round athletes of post-war years.

Mr Sanderson's track and field career spanned 20 years and he was a former captain of Blackburn Harriers.

Deputy Chief Constable Gerry O'Connell said: "He was a very distinguished senior police officer who gave many years dedicated service to the people of Lancashire.

"He will be sadly missed by his many friends and former colleagues."

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