A KEEN motorcyclist died after a head-on collision in Withnell, near Chorley.

Thomas Sargent, 21, was riding his Yamaha Fazer towards junction 3 of the M65 when he collided with a Volvo on Bolton Road shortly after 12.45pm on Sunday. Mr Sargent was airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital but he died a short time later.

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The driver of the Volvo, a man in his 60s, was uninjured in the crash which happened close to Stanworth Terrace.

Describing Mr Sargent as “quiet, enthusiastic, caring and loving”, his family said the passionate motorcyclist “died doing something he loved”. A tribute released by his family, including his parents Ken and Hilary Sargent, said: “Thomas was a quiet, enthusiastic, caring and loving man who had a passion for his motorcycles.

“He enjoyed his job at Adactus Housing working in the Chorley Hit Squad and liked gardening in his spare time. He was loved by everyone who knew him, especially his dad Ken, mum Hilary, brother Daniel and his grandad and uncle.

“He had just celebrated his 21st birthday by touring Europe on his Yamaha motorbike. He died doing something he loved and is now at peace and resting with his grandma.

“He will be dearly missed by everybody who knew him and will never be forgotten.”

Following the collision the road was closed for three hours, as accident investigators assessed the scene.

Specialist police officers are supporting Mr Sargent’s family.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses of the collision to come forward after reports at least three people failed to stop.

Sgt Malcom Bell said: “This is a tragic incident and we have specialist officers supporting the family at this time.

“There could be potentially three witnesses who failed to stop. One was behind the Volvo and the other two were seen turning round from the accident after it happened.

“The car was a brown Volvo saloon. The bike was dark blue. The Volvo driver was not arrested but will be questioned later. He did not suffer any injuries. I urge anyone who witnessed what happened to get in touch.”

Cllr Margaret France (Wheelton & Withnell) said the road is popular with motorcyclists.

She said: “It is a scenic, long, straight road and it leads to the motorway. Even though speeding has not been named as the cause of this incident, residents have had concerns about speed levels on that road. It beholds us all to be more careful when driving near cyclists and motorbikes. It is a tragedy. My thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, with log number 688 of August 16.