A father-of-three was killed when he lost control of his motorbike in Stratton Road. The Swindon man, who was due to be formally identified by police today, died instantly after being catapulted from his 400cc Honda following a collision with railings near Lucknow Garage at 7.15pm on Friday.

PC Glenn Powell, family liaison officer with Wiltshire Police, said the 39-year-old man had two stepdaughters, aged 13 and 11, and a three-year-old daughter. He said: "We have not determined exactly what happened yet but the roads were icy and had been gritted."

Anyone who saw or heard the motorbike at the time of the accident should call PC Jonathan Webb, of Swindon Police Traffic Department, on 01793 528111.