Biker who died in crash was friend to many - family

Leslie Baron's family said he was a "happy, fun-loving" man

A man who died after a motorbike crash was a "larger-than-life character" who "would do anything for anyone", his family said.

Leslie Baron, 56, was riding a motorbike with passenger Lewis Durham, 21, in Wigan, when they were both fatally injured in a crash with a car.

The collision happened on Ormskirk Road at the junction with Billinge Road at about 19:15 GMT on Saturday.

Mr Durham, from Workington, Cumbria, died at the scene and Mr Baron, from Wigan, was taken to hospital, where he died a short time later.

Greater Manchester Police said a 41-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving, has since been released on bail.

'Friend to many'

Paying tribute to Mr Baron, known as Lez, his family said he was "a friend to many" and "a larger-than-life character who loved his dogs, riding his motorbike, and playing golf".

"He would do anything for anyone. He will be missed deeply by us all. May he rest in peace; we will love you always."

Mr Baron's family thanked staff at Aintree Hospital and the "emergency services and the members of the public for all their efforts in helping him at the scene of the collision".

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