AN appeal has been issued by police after a motorcyclist from Longridge died near a rural junction.

The 51-year-old was killed when his bike was in collision with a white Ford Transit van near the junction of Back Lane and Cumeragh Lane in Whittingham, at around 3.25pm on Friday.

Police say it appeared that the driver of a flat back lorry had allowed the Transit to make the turn and the motorcyclist was attempting to overtake when the incident occurred.

He suffered fatal injuries, after losing control of his bike, and was declared dead at the scene.

Sgt Claire Pearson, from the road policing team, said: "A man unfortunately died as a result of this tragic incident and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad and difficult time.

"If you saw anything during or in the lead up to this collision, please make contact with us as it will no doubt assist us with our investigation."

People with any details are asked to call the non-emergency number 101, quoting log reference 861 of March 10.