A MOTORCYCLIST, who died after crashing into a 4x4 vehicle on a 'deadly' road on the outskirts of Burnley, has been named.

Police said Sam Gelder, a 28-year-old man from the Todmorden area was fatally injured when his bike collided with a Toyota Landcruiser in Long Causeway, Cliviger.

Mr Gelder is then said to have collided with a Ford Fiesta, at around 4.30pm on Sunday, in the shadow of Coal Clough Wind Farm.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics after first aid was initially administered by passing drivers.

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Shortly afterwards he was taken by air ambulance to the Royal Preston Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The road, which eventually leads to Blackshaw Head and Hebden Bridge, remained closed for some time while the vehicles, including the rider's bike, were transported from the scene by recovery trucks.

Cllr David Heginbotham, who represents Cliviger and Worsthorne on Burnley Council, said: "This is a deadly road which has seen a number of accidents down the years.

"There are some long straights and hairpin bends, which must be negotiated with care. Our thoughts are with this man's family."

Cllr Andrew Newhouse, who also represents the ward, said: "You could hear the sirens all over Cliviger when it happened and it's just terrible that something like this has happened here.

"There are always concerns with the roads in Cliviger and Worsthorne, especially when you've got long, open stretches, like we have locally.

"You can always look at what could be done to prevent anything like this happening in the future but there are only limited opportunities to make changes."

An investigation has been launched by the police’s road traffic unit and any witnesses are being asked to call the non-emergency number, 101.

Sgt Andy Walton from the Road Policing Unit said: "This is a tragic incident where a man has sadly lost his life and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this terribly difficult time.

"If you were in the area and think you may have seen something, please get in touch with us."

Residents also reported another collision, outside Nino's restaurant, in Red Lees Road, shortly before the Long Causeway crash.

An Audi car and a taxi are understood to have been involved, outside the former Fighting Cocks pub, but no-one was seriously hurt.