MOTORCYCLIST Mark Withey, who suffered serious injuries after a crash in Dandy Road, Darwen, early yesterday was stable in hospital today.

Police said Mark, 36, of Dove Lane, Darwen, lost control of his Honda Fireblade 900cc motorcycle on a bend, hitting a garden wall before colliding into a parked Renault 19.

He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with serious arm, leg, pelvic and head injuries. His condition was today described as stable.

The incident happened at 5.40am and the road was closed from the junction of Pot House Lane for three hours while police investigated the scene. Rush-hour traffic was diverted through Hoddlesden.

Mr Withey was travelling from Darwen to Blackburn.

Police were today still investigating the cause of the accident.