A MOTORCYCLIST has died after an incident near the Heinz Factory in Orrell earlier today.

Police say it is understood that the rider of a blue Yamaha came off his bike on Spring Road – near to the Heinz factory, Orrell, Wigan hortly before 2.45pm on Wednesday, May 25.

Emergency services responded but the rider – a 21-year-old man – died at the scene.

His family are aware and specially trained police officers will be supporting them.

Police say enquiries into what caused the collision are subject to an investigation being carried out by officers from GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident – or anyone who was at the scene but left without speaking to the police to contact us.

Police Constable Phil Drummond, of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “A life has been cruelly taken away from a loving family who are grieving tonight, and we will be doing all we can to support them while finding answers as to why this tragic event has occurred.

“Our investigation is in its initial stages, and we have spoken to a number of people at the scene after this collision – which occurred in a busy area and we are hopeful there are more who may have seen something that could be of some importance as our enquiries continue.

“If you were in the area near to the Heinz factory tonight and saw the incident and haven’t spoken to officers, then we urge you to get in touch – no matter how minor the detail may seem – so that we can piece together the full circumstances of how this young man sadly came to lose his life.”

Anyone with information, dash-cam footage, or who witnessed the incident can contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit by calling 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 1724 of 25/05/2022.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.