Biker's crash death 'leaves unfillable void'

A man who was killed when his motorbike crashed into a car park barrier has left a "void that will never be filled", his family have said.

Anthony Place, 38, from Horwich, died at the scene when his blue Yamaha crashed on an unnamed road on the approach to Rivington Hall Barn in Rivington, Lancashire, at just before 21:05 BST on Wednesday.

His passenger, a woman in her 30s was injured but has since been discharged from hospital.

In a tribute, Place's family described him as a "loving father, stepfather, and partner, the best big brother, and a crazy uncle", adding: "Words will not come close to how this emptiness feels."

They said: "Rest easy our beautiful son – you left us way too soon.

"Your smile lit up every room you went in to and your energy gravitated on to everyone you met.

"You were a loving father, stepfather, and partner, the best big brother, and a crazy uncle.

"Words will not come close to how this emptiness feels.

"You have left many hearts broken and a void that will never be filled."

Lancashire Police said the investigation was continuing and appealed for witnesses or anyone with footage to contact the force, including anyone with footage of the motorbike being ridden around nearby residential areas.

No other vehicles were thought to be involved.

The force said their thoughts remained with Place "and his loved ones at this difficult time".

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