A POLICE motorcyclist was killed when he crashed into a parked lorry while on a training exercise in Bolton.

It is believed PC Allan Shaw, aged 33, was among several motorcycle officers being trained in escorting VIP convoys.

He was helping to flank three black cars when the accident happened in Crompton Way, Astley Bridge, at 10.20am yesterday.

He died instantly from his injuries. Roads around the scene were cordoned off after the accident.

Steve Whittle, manager of nearby Topps Tiles, was one of the first on the scene after the accident.

He said: "I heard a bang and went out to see what had happened and if there was anything I could do to help.

"My colleague shouted that he was a qualified first aider, but there were already lots of police there.

"There must have been six or seven bikes and some police cars and fire engines arrived quickly."

PC Shaw, from Ashton-in-Makerfield, was a motorcycle officer based in the Area 2 Road Policing Unit at Plant Hill in Blackley..

He joined Greater Manchester Policein August,1999.

He leaves a wife and two-year-old daughter.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "The motorcycle officer was on duty when he was in collision with a stationary HGV on Crompton Way at 10.20am. No-one else was injured. The officer died at the scene.

"An investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing."

After the acciden, Crompton Way was closed eastbound between Holland Street and Manley Terrace.

Mossbank Way eastbound was closed at the junction with Sharples Park. The A58 westbound remained open.

The junction of Blackburn Road and Crompton Way was closed to southbound traffic, which was diverted along Belmont Road (. Northbound traffic on the A666 was diverted along Moss Bank Way.

The roads were reopened yesterday evening.