A 22-year-old man is in custody after a crash between a JCB and a motorbike killed a pensioner.

The 79-year-old motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene after his Suzuki crashed with a JCB Telehander at around 2.40pm on Thursday.

Following the incident, which took place on Hollins Lane in Forton, the driver of the JCB was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and drug-driving.

A spokesperson for the police said: "We were called around 2.40pm on Thursday to reports of a serious collision on Hollins Lane.

"A man riding a Suzuki motorbike had been involved in a collision with a JCB Telehander.

"The rider, a 79-year-old man from Cabus, suffered serious head and chest injuries and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"The driver of the JCB, a 22-year-old man from Scorton, was not injured."

The road was closed for five hours while accident investigators attended the scene.

Police are now appealing for information following the incident and are urging any witnesses to come forward.

Temp Sgt Martin Wilcock, of Lancashire Police’s Tactical Operations, said: “An investigation is underway following a fatal road traffic collision in Forton.

“My thoughts are with the rider of the motorbike and his family at this sad and very difficult time.

"These are tragic circumstances and we are endeavouring to find out exactly what has happened.

“While we have made an arrest, I would encourage anyone who can assist with our enquiries to come forward.

"Did you see what happened, or have any dashboard mounted camera footage? If so, please come forward and contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or email 365@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log 0912 of May 21.