A POLICE inspector driven to raise awareness about motorcycle safety after witnessing his father killed in a crash has received backing for his campaign.

Insp Dave Mangan, from Bolton, who works for Lancashire Constabulary, launched a campaign to prevent other motorcyclists from making fatal mistakes while riding.

His father Mike Mangan, aged 72, from Turton, overtook a vehicle then drove into the path of an oncoming van while they were on a short holiday in Wheddon Cross, Somerset.

He suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene on September 11 last year.

The 43-year-old was riding ahead of his father and saw the crash take place.

Insp Mangan held a question and answer session on Facebook following last week’s launch of the campaign.

Rachel Spratt said: “As someone who was brought up on bikes with my dad and who intends to do a full test in the future, thank you for sharing your story.

“Your honesty and courage to share such a painful experience is admirable. It is a message that needs sharing, because even the safest and most experienced of bikers can make mistakes.”

Insp Mangan will today ride from Preston to Land’s End with friends and colleagues in memory of his father, an advanced motorcyclist.

He will hold a minute’s silence on Friday in the village where his father died.