Motorcyclist named after fatal road crash

Police were called to Preston Road at 2.45pm following reports of an accident involving a motorbike and a car.

Officers attended and found Connor, from Bamber Bridge, with multiple injuries.

He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Connor’s father Paul Whittingham said today: “Connor Whittingham lived a short life that could have been very much more.

“Connor loved his animals and motorbikes and the love of motorbikes has resulted in cutting short the life of a young man with so much to live for.

“We hope that his death will raise awareness in young people of the risks that speed can have.

“Connor was very much loved by all his family and liked by a huge number of people and will be very much missed by everyone who knew him.”

Police believe the man had been riding a red Honda motorcycle northbound on Preston Road when he approached the junction with Factory Lane.

The collision with a BMW happened near the junction.

The driver of the BMW, a 40-year-old woman from Bolton, suffered whiplash injuries and was treated for shock.

The road was closed for more than four hours while accident investigators attended.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

If you can help, contact police on 101 quoting log reference 0926 of July 10.