Man dies in freak pheasant crash

Ian Bottomley died at the scene of the accident

A 52-year-old motorcyclist from Lancashire died in a freak accident when a pheasant crashed into his helmet, an inquest was told.

The bird hit Ian Bottomley, of The Maltings in Longton, on the head as he rode along the A683 in Hornby near Lancaster on 10 May.

The incident caused him to swerve into an embankment and fall off his bike.

Assistant Deputy Coroner Derek Baker recorded a verdict of accidental death, adding that speed was not a factor.

'Roadworthy condition'

Police found Mr Bottomley, a father of two and an executive with British Aerospace, lying motionless in the road and surrounded by feathers.

Mr Bottomley was said to have been travelling at up to 77mph (124km/h) on the road which had a maximum speed of 60mph (96.6 km/h), but Mr Baker said speed was not a factor in the fatality.

The inquest heard the motorcycle was in roadworthy condition and there were no defects on the carriageway.

Mr Baker said: "This could not have been anticipated, nothing could have been done to prevent it."