A MOTORCYCLIST has been killed in a crash on a rural road near the north Shropshire border. The biker was the only person involved in the accident, police said today.

They are appealing for witnesses following the fatal accident which happened near Penley. The man has not yet been named by police, but police said he was not from North Wales.

A North Wales Police spokesman said the officers were called to the scene at 12.55pm yesterday.

He said: “The single vehicle collision involved a Red Yamaha motorcycle on the A539 travelling in the direction of Penley from Hanmer.

“The male rider, who was not from North Wales, was pronounced dead at the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101.”

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesman added: “We sent an ambulance and the air ambulance. Paramedics declared the patient deceased at the scene.”

Family

Councillor Lloyd Kenyon, who represents the area on Wrexham County Borough Council, said the crash was a tragedy for the man’s family.

He said: “It is awful for the family and my sympathies go to everyone involved at such a difficult time. Roads around that area do have bends and you must drive them carefully.

“There was a similar fatal accident on that stretch of road within the last five years. I know it has been a concern for Hanmer Community Council for a while and also for other neighbouring community councils because the road goes through three community council areas.”

Pamela Edwards, clerk to Hanmer Community Council, said accidents on the road had been discussed by councillors in the past and concerns raised with North Wales Police,

Councillor Rodney Skelland, who represents the neighbouring ward of Bronington, also offered his condolences following the accident.

He said: “Your sympathies always go to the family involved when something like this happens. It is terrible for them.

“I seem to remember there was fatal accident a few years ago on the road but I don’t know the details about this one.

“Whatever has happened is a tragedy.”