A MAN died after a road accident that shut the M65 for four hours at the weekend, police said.

The incident, which caused problems for people trying to get in and out of East Lancashire, happened near junction one at Bamber Bridge at around 4.25pm on Sunday.

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Police said Michael Rushworth, 54, of Leyland, left the motorway at junction one before losing control of his black Honda bike on the A6 link road, veering across the road and colliding with the central barrier.

Mr Rushworth was taken to Royal Preston Hospital where he died.

The sports bike, microlight and shooting enthusiast attended Tonge High School in Bolton and was managing director of Genesis IT & Telecommunications, based in Whitestake, near Preston.

His family were today being supported by specially trained officers.

Sgt Malcolm Bell, road policing officer, said: “This was a tragic accident where a man has unfortunately lost his life.

“If you witnessed this incident or think you may have seen this man on his motorcycle in the time leading up it, please make contact with us.”

Police closed the carriageway between junction one of the M65 and junction 29 of the M6 north while investigation works were carried out.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 and quote incident reference 1020 of October 4.