Off-road biker dies in collision

It is believed the two bikers rode into each other as they mounted the crest of one of the ridges on the old Thorne Colliery spoil heap, near Moorends.

Kyle Turner, aged 20, who wasn't wearing a helmet, died at the scene. The other biker was taken to hospital by helicopter.

Other off-road motorcycle riders were also on the tip at the same time but it is believed no-one else saw the fatal collision, just before 6pm yesterday.

The other bikers raised the alarm and tried to give first aid before the emergency services arrived.

A man walking his dog borrowed one of the bikes to find the paramedic and Thorne fire crews who were making their way to the scene from Grange Road, about a mile away, on foot.

"When we got there the young man, who wasn't wearing a helmet, was obviously dead but there wasn't much sign of injury," said Thorne station Watch Manager Richard Mallender,

"The other lad was badly injured with two broken bones in his leg and was in a lot of pain. The paramedic did what he could to make him comfortable before the Yorkshire Air Ambulance arrived."

The second rider, a 26-year-old man also from Moorends who has not been named, suffered serious abdomen, leg and head injuries and the helicopter took him to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.

"There wasn't that much damage to the bikes so we think they must have struck each other with a glancing blow.

"There were two or three other riders on the tip but they hadn't seen it," added Mr Mallender.

Kyle, who lived in Moorends, was riding a white Kawasaki KX85 and the injured rider was on a yellow Suzuki RMZ250.

South Yorkshire Police say the collision occurred on a hill at the top of the disused colliery pit tip.

Spokesman Mike Trees said: "At this time officers are still investigating the cause of the collision, but it is believed that both motorcycles were approaching the top of the hill from different directions.

"When they arrived at the top of the hill the two vehicles subsequently collided."

A post mortem examination is due to be carried out tomorrow and an inquest is expected to open on Friday.

Witnesses should contact the South Yorkshire Police Accident Witness Line on 0114 2202970.