Staffordshire firefighter dies in motorbike crash in Derbyshire

Alex Taylor, from Penkridge, had been riding his Suzuki GSXR motorcycle towards Burton on the A515 at Newhaven when he collided with a Skoda Octavia and a Nissan Navara at around 11.55am on Tuesday.

He received serious injuries and despite best efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

The 31-year-old had worked for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service since 2010 and was based at Tamworth, having previously been based at stations in Penkridge, Leek and Hanley.

Rob Barber, deputy chief fire officer for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our firefighter Alex Taylor and we offer our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.

“Our thoughts first and foremost are with Alex’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time but we are also thinking of his colleagues and friends within Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“Alex joined the service in 2010 and during his career he spent time at Penkridge, Leek and Hanley, but most recently worked at Tamworth.

“We understand this awful news will have come as a devastating shock to all those who knew him within the service and we are offering them welfare support at this difficult time.”

Derbyshire Police has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash and officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to contact them as a matter of urgency.

They are keen to speak to any drivers or riders who may have dashcam footage that may have captured a blue Suzuki GSXR 600 or a Honda CBR 600 riding together prior to the incident.

Anyone with information can call Derbyshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 19*114102.