A MOTORCYCLIST killed in a crash on the M60 has been described as a “kind and intelligent man with a beautiful soul” by his grieving family.

Christopher Wood, 57, died when his orange custom-made bike crashed into a red Jaguar on the Eccles Interchange junction on Friday, May 18.

Mr Wood’s family released a statement describing him as a well-loved family man.

The family said: “Chris was a kind and intelligent man with a beautiful soul and a wicked sense of humour.

“He always had time to help others going through their own struggles.

“Chris loved his family, his friends, his rock and metal music and riding his motorbike.

“So many people hold him dearly in their hearts and he was well-loved in the Manchester rock scene.

“He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.”

Mr Wood's bike collided with a car around 10.15am on Friday, May 18 at junction 12 of the M60.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene, before being rushed to Salford Royal Hospital where he died as a result of his injuries.

Police said the crash happened after a white VW Caddy van travelling in lane four on the M60 crossed the carriageway as it approached the junction for the M602 and M62.

According to police, the van almost came to a complete stop as it moved across the carriageway and left the motorway.

A few moments later, Mr Wood's Custom bike, which was a few cars behind the van, was involved in a collision with a red Jaguar.

A 41-year-old man was arrested but has since been released under investigation

Police are appealing for the drivers who were behind the white van, or were on the M60 immediately before the collision, to come forward.

In particular, police want to speak to the drivers and passengers of a white Audi Estate, a panel van with ladders attached, a red Golf and any other cars between the van and the bike in lane four.

Sergeant Darren Hancock of GMP’s Serious Collision and Investigation Unit, said: “A man has lost his life in this collision and it’s absolutely vital that we understand how this happened.

“We have spoken with the driver of the white van and the red Jaguar, but it’s really important that we speak to the other cars who were behind the van, to help with our enquiries.

“I’d stress that these drivers are not at fault, we just need their help to piece together how the collision unfolded, and ultimately, how Christopher lost his life.

“If you were on that part of the M60 at the time of the incident or shortly before and haven’t yet come forward, please pick up the phone and tell us what you saw.

“Any dash cam footage can also be sent to XDept.SCIU@gmp.police.uk or you can talk to our collision investigation team on 0161 856 4741.”

Any report can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.