TEENAGER Stephen Heaps was getting a lift home with his boss when he was killed in a motorbike accident, police have revealed.

The 18-year-old from Toothill was riding pillion on the motorbike when it was in collision with a car on Great Western Way on Friday.

Stephen worked as a labourer for the motorcycle rider, who police say runs a bricklaying business and was a close friend of the victim.

Both men were thrown off the bike when it was in collision with a Peugeot coming out of Lydiard Fields, near junction 16 of the M4.

Stephen died at the scene while the other man who police have not named suffered a broken arm.

Police have said the rider, who is currently in hospital, is still helping them with inquiries.

The female driver of the blue Peugeot was shocked but unhurt following the incident, which happened at 4.30pm on Friday.

PC Steve Love, of Swindon traffic police, said Stephen's family is devastated.

"The family are very distraught. And the fact that Stephen was only 18 compounds their pain," he said.

"Every collision is tragic, especially when it involves the death of a young person.

"It is very difficult for the family to come to terms with this."

Stephen lived at home with his parents and had a long-term girlfriend.

Police are appealing for witnesses. In particular they want to speak to the driver of a large articulated lorry which had a curtain sided trailer with gold writing on it.

PC Love says the driver could help them piece together how the accident happened.

"The lorry was seen at the junction just prior to the collision and was going down junction 16 towards Blagrove," he said.

"We know he was not involved in the accident but he may be able to tell us what the traffic light sequence was at the time."

And PC Love believes there could be other witnesses who have not yet come forward.

"We anticipated we would have more witnesses, particularly because of the time of day when it happened," he said.

"Anybody who saw anything should get in contact with us. Something that seems trivial to them could be the missing piece in our puzzle."

Witness are urged to contact PC Love on 01793 528111.

Diana Milne