A MOTORCYCLIST who suffered serious head injuries in a crash has died.

Marcin Jurek, from Nelson, was riding a Honda motorbike on North Valley Road, in Colne, towards the M65 at around 5.30am yesterday when he lost control, police said.

The 39-year-old crashed into a traffic light close to the Sainsbury's petrol station.

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital after suffering serious head injuries but later died.

The road was closed for more than three hours while accident investigators attended the scene.

Sgt Andy Walton said: "Mr Jurek was riding his motorcycle on North Valley Road, Colne, when he was involved in a collision with a traffic lamp post close to a pedestrian crossing.

"Despite the best efforts of paramedics and medical staff at Royal Blackburn Hospital, Mr Jurek sadly died from his injuries.

"Our thoughts are with Mr Jurek, his family and friends at this tragic time.

"Mr Jurek, a Polish national, is survived by relatives in Poland and plans are in place for specially trained officers to support his family, who will be travelling to Lancashire in the next few days.

"I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision, or was travelling along North Valley Road at that time and may have information or dash cam footage that will assist the investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101 and quote log reference 313 of July 29.

See yesterday's story here; http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/15441942.UPDATE__Road_reopened_after_motorcyclist_taken_to_hospital_with__serious_head_injuries__after_crash/