An inquest was due to open today into the death of a police motorcyclist who fell from his machine on the Chain Bar roundabout off the M62 on Wednesday.

PC Andy Winterburn, 43, pictured right, who was based at Wakefield Force HQ, suffered serious injuries and died at the scene a short time later.

Police say it appears no other vehicles were involved but are appealing for witnesses. Ring (01924) 421046 if you can help.

Chief Supt Derek Bonnard, of Operations Support, today paid tribute to the officer who lived in a small village in North Yorkshire. He said: "Our thoughts at the moment are with Andy's family, who are obviously devastated. The officer worked in a small, close-knit team, who are all extremely upset."

PC Winterburn joined West Yorkshire Police in 1979 and served in Chapeltown and Killingbeck divisions.