AN APPEAL for witnesses has been launched following a serious accident yesterday. 

Burnley Road near the Deerplay Inn, Bacup, was closed for more than four hours as emergency service dealt with the crash. 

The road was re-opened over night. Police confirmed on Sunday that a motorcyclist died in the incident.

Police and ambulances were called to the scene. 

Lancashire Telegraph:

A police spokesman said: "We arrived on the scene at around 4pm on Saturday and ambulances were called."

The 51-year-old from was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital but medics were unable to save him.

A 34-year-old van driver from Rochdale was unhurt in the crash on Saturday at 4pm on Burnley Road near the Deerplay Inn, near Weir.

Police said the motorcyclist, who is from Bacup, was knocked from his Yamaha bike in a crash with a Vauxhall Vivaro.

Detectives are now appealing for information about the smash.

Eye-witnesses reported seeing an air ambulance land next to the road. 

James Dyke was trying to pass over the road at around 5pm when he reached a police road block stopping him from going any further.

He said: "I don't know the full extent of what happened, but it doesn't look good.

"This road has been bad for some time as there are no measures in place to stop speeding." 

Lancashire Telegraph:

Witness appeal signs have now been place on both sides of the road close to the Deerplay Inn. 

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 101.