Families pay tribute to 'beloved' men killed in crash between car and off-road motorbike in Oldham

Grieving families have paid tribute to two young men who died following a crash in Oldham.

Harry Atkinson, 20, and Lewis Meeson, 21, were travelling on an off-road motorbike which collided with a Ford Kuga.

Both families have paid tribute to their 'precious' and 'cherished' loved ones.

High Barn Street in Royton was cordoned off for much of Good Friday after police were called shortly after 11am to reports of a crash between the Suzuki motorbike and 4x4.

Paying tribute to 20-year-old plumber Harry, his family said: "Words can't describe how it feels to lose our youngest child, Harry - our son - in such a tragic way. Our hearts are broken.

"Harry is a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend.

"His life and his death will touch many people - most of all those who love him dearly.

"Harry was 20, a loving kind and thoughtful young man; so full of life - happy in his job as a plumber with his whole life ahead of him.

"We want to thank all the first responders who tried their best to save both Harry and his friend's lives and supported the other people involved in the terrible incident.

"Thanks to the police who showed such kindness and compassion, and thanks for everyone's kind words and support.

"Harry is precious to us and as we try to come to terms with the harsh reality that he isn’t coming home, we ask that people give us as a family some privacy, time and space in grieve in our own way."

The family of 21-year-old Lewis also made a moving tribute to him, saying: "The family has been completely devastated by the loss of our beloved Lewis.

"We are truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support from the community and from Lewis’s friends and family.

"This has reinforced what we already knew; that he is loved and cherished by everyone who knew him.

"The family would like to thank everybody for the hundreds of kind, positive messages that have been received. We are so grateful and it has brought much comfort at this horrific time. "

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the rider and pillion passenger of the motorbike - men aged 20 and 21 respectively - suffered critical injuries and sadly died at the scene.

The smash prompted a major emergency service response including an air ambulance, road ambulance, and multiple police cars.

Crews from Greater Manchester Fire Service also attended the scene.

Flowers, football shirts and photos have been left at the scene of a horror crash.

Dozens of tributes, including Manchester United shirts and photographs of the friends have been left at the corner of Cardigan Street.

Sergeant Phil Shaw, of the Greater Manchester Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "My thoughts go out to the families of the two young men who have tragically lost their lives today after this awful incident.

"We are doing what we can to understand how this collision came to be to ensure that the families of both victims are given the answers they need, and our specialist officers are offering them support at this devastating time.

"If you were in the area shortly before 11am and have dash-cam footage, or may have seen the vehicles involved in this collision, then I urge you to contact us so we can piece together as much information we can to establish the circumstances of this morning's events."