A police motorcyclist died when he came off his machine on the Chain Bar roundabout off the M62 yesterday.

The officer, believed to be in his forties and based at Wakefield force HQ, appeared to have come off his bike and suffered serious injuries. He died later at the scene of the accident.

The accident, at about 3.15pm, caused traffic hold-ups at the busy junction of the M62 and M606, as the inside lane was cordoned off and motorists were backed up along the motorways.

The chief constable of West Yorkshire, Colin Cramphorn, has paid tribute to the officer, who has not yet been named.

He said: "At this time my thoughts and prayers are with all family members, friends and colleagues. The force has lost a dedicated and respected officer and friend."

An appeal has been made for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

A police spokesman said: "We are not in a position to name the officer at present. The force, and in particular all his colleagues in the motorcycle unit, are saddened by this tragedy."

Anyone with information is asked to report it to police on 0845 6060606.