TWO motorcyclists on their way to the Isle of Man TT races were killed in a horrific smash near Blackburn town centre.

Pillion passenger Andrew Edmondson, 34, of Wayoh Croft, Turton, and rider Michael Abbott, 40, of Lakeside, Windermere, died instantly.

Police said the Suzuki bike lost control on a bend and slid under the front of a Mercedes lorry in Stancliffe Street, near the Griffin Street junction at 2pm yesterday.

The lorry driver, Roy Johnson, of Avondale Avenue, Bury, was treated for shock. Inspector Stuart Coates said the motorcyclists had been approaching the Buncer Lane junction with other bikers.

He said: "The motorcycle lost control and went under the front of the lorry and the driver and passenger suffered multiple injuries.

"I understand the group was on its way to the TT races on the Isle of Man."

A witness, who did not want to be named, said she looked round after hearing the sound of a bike and saw the cycle leaning over on the bend before the collision.

East Lancs TT ace killed - see separate story.

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