THE family of a 27-year-old motorcyclist who died after a crash in Blackpool in the early hours of Saturday morning have paid tribute to him.

Police were called to Ansdell Road at 2.05am after reports a Benelli TNT motorbike travelling towards Waterloo Road had come off the carriageway while negotiating a bend, mounted the pavement and hit a stationary Honda Jazz.

The rider of the Benelli, Sam Cardwell, was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and later transferred to Royal Preston Hospital where he died.

In a tribute, Sam’s family said: “Sam attended Montgomery High School, Bispham, which he left in 2010.

"He resided in the Blackpool area and will be sorely missed by his family and friends who would describe him as a gentle, kind, enthusiastic soul who was always happy.

“We would like to thank family and friends for their ongoing support and would also like to thank passers-by who helped Sam following the collision as well as North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and staff at both Blackpool Victoria Hospital and Royal Preston Hospital for their care and dignified response throughout the incident.”

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

Sgt Andrew Hemingway, of West Tactical Operations, said: “This collision has tragically resulted in a Sam losing his life and my thoughts remain with his loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

“We are working to establish exactly what caused the collision and I would ask any witnesses or anybody with CCTV or dashcam footage which could assist our enquiries to get in touch.”

If you have any information email 4064@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log number 0218 of June 19, 2021.