A motorbike rider has died and two men have been arrested after a crash on the East Lancashire Road

Witnesses are being urged to come forward with any information or video footage, while part of the A580 East Lancashire Road in Haydock remains closed following the incident.

Emergency services were called at around 11pm on Monday after reports of a collision on the westbound carriageway, between Penny Lane and Kenyons Lane South.

The motorbike rider was a man in his 40s and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say two HGVs are believed to have been involved in the incident – one in direct collision with the motorcyclist, while the other may have been indirectly involved in the circumstances leading up to the crash.

A 28-year-old man from the Widnes area was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, driving while unfit through drugs and driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a controlled drug above the specified limit.

A 38-year-old man from Carmarthenshire was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving and driving while unfit through drugs.

Both men remain in police custody while inquiries continue.

A section of the westbound carriageway on the East Lancashire Road remains closed on Tuesday morning to allow for investigative work.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible or allow extra time for their journeys.

Det Sgt Andy Roper, from Merseyside Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“An investigation is ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who was travelling in the area at the time to check their dash-cam footage for anything that may assist our enquiries, including footage of the collision itself or the moments leading up to it.

“Front and rear dash-cams can often capture vital evidence without the driver realising. We are particularly keen to review any footage showing either of the HGVs or the motorcycle involved in order to help establish exactly what happened.

“To assist potential witnesses, I can confirm that both HGVs believed to be involved were towing white trailers. One cab was dark in colour and the other was white with black stripes.

“Although two people have been arrested, we are still very keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the vehicles beforehand. No matter how insignificant the information may seem, it could prove vital to our investigation.”

Anyone with information, CCTV or dash-cam footage is asked to contact the serious collision investigation unit on 0151 777 5747 or email [email protected], quoting incident reference 26000456942.

Messages can also be sent to @MerPolCC on X or Facebook.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or online.