Rider who came off bike was ‘over limit’

●● Newchurch Road was closed after the accident

A MOTORCYCLIST who came off his bike and hit a wall was ‘over the limit’, say police.

Emergency services were called to an incident on Newchurch Road in the Glen at Waterfoot just after 5pm on Saturday, February 22.

The A681 was closed for two and a half hours while paramedics attended, taking a 61-year-old motorcyclist to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Police have since revealed that the man, who was overtaking a moving vehicle at the time of the crash, was over the drink-driving limit.

A Lancashire Constabulary spokesperson said: “The circumstances are that a 61-year-old motorcyclist was attempting an overtake of a moving vehicle when he lost control and hit a wall. He sustained various fractures including a fractured pelvis.

“None of the injuries were thought to be life threatening. The road was closed until it was safe to re-open at 19.54.

“The rider was taken to Royal Preston Hospital by ambulance and treated for the injuries. He was later breathalysed and gave a reading indicating that he was over the legal limit of alcohol in his blood. Further enquiries are to be made with a view to prosecuting the man for offences relating to his use of the motorcycle.”

The road was closed from the junction with Townsend Street to its junction with Brandwood Road, Stacksteads, with traffic diverted via Booth Road.