TRIBUTES have been paid on social media to a motorcyclist who died in a crash with a car in Oldham.

Police were called to Ashton Road at approximately 4.10pm on Monday following a collision between a Vauxhall Insignia car and a Yamaha motorcycle, which happened near the junction with Hathershaw Lane.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the motorcyclist, a 54-year-old man, died at the scene.

Police said his family have been informed and are now being supported by specially trained officers.

The road was closed in both directions from Fir Tree Avenue to Honeywell Lane due to the crash outside Park Cakes Bakeries, with police posting at the time on social media officers were attending a serious incident.

Diversions were put in place and the 409 bus affected while emergency services attended.

A witness on social media described how the man, whose name has not been released by police, was “pronounced dead after 30 minutes of CPR”, on the GMP Oldham Central Facebook post.

Another added: “About six paramedics worked really hard on him poor soul. May he RIP”.

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In response to the news of his death people flooded social media with messages of condolence.

One woman commenting on a Facebook post by The Oldham Times, wrote: “Absolutely heart-breaking! Sincere condolences to his family and friends!”

Another added their thoughts were with his family, and a further responded: “God rest his soul, RIP. Condolences to his family.”

Many more commented on how devastatingly “sad” and “awful” the incident was.

A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remained in police custody for questioning as of yesterday afternoon.

Enquiries are ongoing with police saying the investigation remains “in its early stages”.

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Sergeant Matthew Waggett, of Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “A man has sadly lost his life following this collision and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones as they process this devastating news.

“Our specialist officers are supporting them at this time.”

He added: “Our investigation is in its early stages but we would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone with information or dashcam footage from the surrounding area at the time of the incident, particularly featuring the vehicles involved, to contact police and assist us in our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 1,732 of January 18.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.