A BIKER riding an off-road motorcycle was taken to hospital after a smash in Breightmet.

At about 9.30pm yesterday, Tuesday, a Yamaha off-road bike was involved in a crash with a Renault Megane Scenic in Newby Road, near the junction with Kentmere Road.

The 25-year-old biker suffered multiple facial injuries and bruising to the brain and was taken to hospital, where he is said to be in a critical but stable condition.

The motorist was not injured.

PC Mark Potter, from the police's serious collision investigation unit, said: “We are now investigating this collision so cannot go into details about the full circumstances.

“However, we can say that this again demonstrates the dangers of driving off-road vehicles on the road.

“They are not designed for this and should only ever be used off-road, where the land owner has given permission.

"I also want to remind owners of off-road bikes that if they are going to ride on the road, they need to be insured and have a licence.

“Finally, I would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen this collision to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 8564745.