Van driver arrested after biker is left with 'life-changing' injuries in smash

A van driver was arrested after a biker was left with 'life-changing' injuries following a crash in Bolton.

The smash happened on Lavender Road in the Farnworth area at around 11.40am yesterday (Tuesday). Police said the motorcyclist - a 32-year-old man - was riding his bike along the road when he collided with a Mercedes Sprinter van.

He was taken to hospital with serious leg injuries, described as 'life-changing'. He was airlifted from the scene, a spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service confirmed.

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The van driver was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving. He has since been released on bail, a police spokesperson said.

Yesterday, neighbours told the Manchester Evening News how they heard a man 'yelling for help' as he lay injured in the road after the crash. One man, who lives on the quiet residential street, said he was in his back garden when the crash happened.

He added: “I went up to the bedroom window and could see the man in the road. He was yelling out for help, he seemed to be in a lot of pain."

Officers are urging any witnesses of the crash, or anyone who has footage, to come forward. In a statement, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Collision investigators are appealing for information after a motorcyclist suffered life-changing injuries in a crash in Bolton.

"The 32-year-old man was riding along Lavender Road, Farnworth, when he was in collision with a Mercedes Sprinter at about 11:40am on 7 March 2023. He was taken to hospital with serious leg injuries.

"The driver of van was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving. He has since been