THE family of a man who was killed in a motorcycle accident in Bolton town centre yesterday have paid tribute to a "loving husband, father and grandfather".

Michael Stockton, aged 59, was riding a Honda motorbike in Bradford Street when he was involved in a crash with a large HGV tipper truck at about 9am yesterday.

The accident, at the top of the slip road from St Peter's Way, left him pinned under the truck, and passers-by scrambled to help him.

He was taken to Salford Royal Hospital but pronounced dead a short time later.

In a statement given through the police, Mr Stockton's family said: “Mick was a loving husband, father and grandfather who was born and brought up in the St Helens area.

"He was the only boy in a family of five children.

“Mick had a lifelong interest in pigeons and was a successful breeder and racer and was an active member of Burtonwood Homing Society.

“At the time of the accident Mick was on his way to work as a joiner.”

A 32-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing death while driving without due care and has been bailed pending further inquiries.

Witnesses are asked to call traffic police on 0161 8564741.