Man accused of biker murder

James Silver, a former sidecar racing champion

A man has been charged with the murder of a well-known Scottish motorcyclist in Northern Ireland at the weekend.

The 21-year-old is expected to appear at Laganside Magistates Court on Tuesday accused of murdering James Silver at Ballyclare, near Belfast.

Mr Silver's body was discovered on Sunday morning in a grassy area at Hawthorn Way.

He had suffered a number of injuries.

Mr Silver, 48, was from Peterculter, near Aberdeen, but moved to Ballyclare late last year.

His family has a long tradition in motorbikes

He was known throughout motorcycling circles in Scotland and also competed, along with his brothers, in side-car racing.

Mr Silver, a single man, has three brothers and a sister.

He was a former Scottish champion sidecar racer.

Roy Shirlaw, owner of the Shirlaw motorcycle dealership in Aberdeen, said his family and the Silvers went back many years.

He described the dead man as "an enthusiastic competitor, a guy that would have helped you whatever the situation".