A MOTORCYCLIST was in a critical condition today after it is believed he lost control of his bike and crashed into a wall, police said.

The 59-year-old collided with a wall after he lost control of his bike on a bend in Gisburn Road, Blacko, 500 metres northwest of the Moorcock Inn.

The rider, who was on a day trip out with two friends when the accident took place on Sunday at 2.50pm, was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital with serious injuries.

Police said the man, from Manchester, was in a critical but stable condition.

Sergeant Gareth Hill, of the Pennine Road Policing Unit, said no other vehicles were involved.

He said: "This was road traffic collision where the motorcyclist seems to have lost control on a bend and hit a wall.

"Fom the information we have it appears he was out motorcycling with two friends enjoying the good weather when the accident took place."

Anyone who saw the accident should contact the road policing unit on 01282 472431.