Used car firm co-founder dies from crash injuries

Stephen Hands was flown to a specialist UK hospital after the crash

The co-founder of a used car firm who had to be airlifted to hospital in the UK after being involved in a crash has died, police have said.

Stephen Hands, 61, was on a motorcycle which was involved in a crash with a van at the junction of Glen Mooar Road and Poortown Road, in St John's in the west of the Isle of Man, at about 10:35 BST on Tuesday.

The Isle of Man Constabulary said Mr Hands had "sadly succumbed to his injuries and has passed away in hospital".

Paying tribute on social media, Swift Motors said Mr Hands, was a "great friend and boss" who would be "missed by his staff, family and friends".

The company said the workplace would not be the same without him.

"He was known for his ability to turn his hand to fixing anything and great customer service." it said.

"A great friend and boss and he'll always be in our hearts."

Officers have appealed for witnesses to come forward, and for anyone who was travelling in the area at the time to check their dashcam footage.

In a statement the force said it particularly wanted to speak to "the driver of a white van that was travelling towards Ballig Bridge from the direction of Peel on the Poortown Road".

Urging people not to speculate, it added: "The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time."