A MOTOR cycle pillion passenger died after being catapulted from the machine.

Mark Kay (26), of Nuttall Street, Bury, was dead on arrival at hospital after Wednesday night's (April 9) accident in Manchester Road when the bike was in collision with a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, Mr Clive Koffman (22), of Albany Drive, Bury, is now recovering from a leg fracture and cuts to his head.

The 28 year-old driver of the Suzuki motor cycle is currently in police custody and is being interviewed by officers.

He was taken to Bury police station after being treated for a broken arm and abrasions at hospital. He is not being named by police.

The accident happened on Manchester Road, near St Peter's Road, at 10.20pm. Both the cycle driver and pillion passenger were thrown from the machine.

The dead man was a heavy goods vehicle driver who lived with his parents. The family was too upset to talk to reporters yesterday (Thursday).

Pedestrian Mr Koffman, who works at the Energy Centre in Bolton, lives with his parents, Eric and Jean Koffman. Mr Koffman said: "He has a fractured leg and some cuts to the head. Clive had been at the Swan and Cemetery pub watching the televised football match with friends but left early because he had a job interview the following day."

He said he understood from his son that the accident had happened after the motor cycle had apparently overtaken a car.

"Clive had been crossing the road and had virtually reached the pavement when the accident happened," added Mr Koffman.

The injured man was due to undergo surgery yesterday (Thursday). "Despite what has happened, he appears to be extremely calm," said Mr Koffman.

Following the accident, a section of Manchester Road was closed for four hours.

Meanwhile, Bury police have launched an appeal for witnesses to the accident.

Anyone who can help should telephone the divisional traffic unit on 856 8072.

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