A MOTORCYCLIST from Swindon has been killed after colliding with a car near Burford.

The man, who has not yet been named, was in his twenties and was travelling towards Lechlade on the A361 near the Cotswold Wildlife Park when it was in collision with a black Ford Puma which was travelling in the opposite direction shortly before 4pm on Sunday.

The motorcyclist died at the scene of the accident but the woman driving the Ford Puma was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Police are now investigating the cause of the collision and believe the motorcycle was on the wrong side of the road at the time of the accident.

Sgt Pete Jell, of Abingdon Roads Policing, said: "I would appeal for anyone who saw the collision or events leading up to it, to contact me immediately.

"The motorcyclist was with two friends and they were out on their bikes together.

"This is the first fatal motorcycle collision we have had this year and it is unlikely to be the last.

"I would like to urge all drivers to be aware of motorbikes as the weather improves and more bikers take to the roads. I would also urge bikers to take care on the roads so that they do not become one of our fatal statistics."

The family of the victim have been informed but formal identification of the body has not yet taken place and police don't expect to reveal the man's name until later this week.

Anthony Osborne