A PENSIONER was fighting for his life in hospital today after he was thrown from his motorbike in a crash with a van.

Police believe the 65-year-old rider is from the Bolton area. possibly Astley Bridge or Breightmet.

But today, they were still trying to positively identify him and have asked anyone who can help to urgently contact them.

The man is in the Royal Bolton Hospital with multiple injuries after the accident in Belmont Road, Belmont, at tea time yesterday. His condition in the intensive care unit is described as "very poorly".

The 100cc machine he was riding was in collision with van, carrying 12 passengers, outside the Wright's Arms pub. The driver of the van, Shaun Harwood, 32, of Astley Bridge, is thought to have been turning into the car park when the accident happened. Scott Beckwith, 14, and Stephen Colgan, 16, both of Astley Bridge, who were passengers in the van were also taken to hospital suffering from minor injuries and later released.

Inspector Stephen Lee of Blackburn Police said: "We are investigating the incident and at this stage speed or alcohol are not thought to be contributory factors."

Registration documents show the name of Clifford Prince. Anyone with information about the injured man should contact Bolton police on 0161 872 5050.

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