A MOTORCYCLIST has died after a crash in St Helens Road this afternoon, police said.

The 48-year-old man died in hospital after suffering serious injuries during the incident.

He was driving a Honda motorbike when he crashed into a Toyota Rav4.

The driver of the Toyota, believed to be a male in his 40s, was unharmed.

St Helens Road was closed for three hours this evening between Church Avenue and Brandwood Street while investigators carried out their work.

The road has since re-opened.

Sergeant Kevin Woodward of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “We are providing support to the man’s family at this very difficult time for them.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone with information about the incident to come forward and speak to police.”

The accident happened at the junction of Croston Street and St Helens Road.

People at the scene said the motorbike was seen overtaking cars before the crash.

It is also thought the Toyota car may have been doing a u-turn at the time of the incident.

It is understood the driver of the Toyota was in the car with his wife and daughter.

An onlooker who saw the incident unfold, who asked not to be named, said: "It was horrific, the motorcyclist was in a very bad way. He went straight into the side of the car at a very high speed."

Nathan Bell, aged 26, lives in nearby Croston Street with his two children, and said that crashes on the road are a regular occurrence.

He said: "I wouldn't let my kids play out round here, it is too dangerous. I saw the aftermath but I had to walk away because it was that bad."