A MOTORCYCLIST has died in a serious road traffic collision on the M66 near Heap Bridge.

The 35-year-old was travelling along the M66 southbound towards junction two at about 5.55am on Wednesday (24 June), when he collided with a small van and hit the central reservation.

The man, from Accrington, died at the scene.

The M66 was closed southbound and reduced to one lane northbound, but later reopened.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call traffic police on 0161 856 1550.