A MOTORCYCLIST died in a crash that shut the A34 for hours yesterday afternoon, police have said.

At 2.48pm a black Piaggio MP3 Sport Touring three-wheel vehicle was travelling southbound on the A34 between East Ilsley and Beedon.

Police said that the rider - a 46-year old man from Coventry - 'lost control' before colliding with the central reservation.

He was then hit by a blue Ford Mondeo and a silver Ford Transit in the opposite northbound carriageway. 

The rider died at the scene of his injuries and his next of kin have been informed.

The A34 was shut northbound until 6.55pm and southbound until 8.05pm while investigations were carried out.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward but said that no arrests have been made.

Investigating officer PC Brendan Austin, of the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing based at Three Mile Cross, said: “This was a tragic incident which has resulted in the death of a 46-year-old man.

“I am appealing to anybody who witnessed the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage from around the time of the collision, to contact the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 43190197043.

“The family of the victim have been informed and are being supported by officers at this time.”