A MOTORCYCLIST was killed when he apparently lost control of his bike just outside Halstead.The tragic accident has brought the total number of motorcycle deaths in Essex to 10 so far this year, compared to seven at the same time in 2005.

A MOTORCYCLIST was killed when he apparently lost control of his bike just outside Halstead.

The tragic accident has brought the total number of motorcycle deaths in Essex to 10 so far this year, compared to seven at the same time in 2005.

Darren Farrant, 35, from Haverhill, was travelling towards Halstead when the accident happened at Doe's Corner on the A1124 Hedingham Road on Wednesday night.

Mr Farrant was riding a blue, V-registered Yamaha R6 600cc machine when he hit a crash barrier, police said.

The road was closed for more than three hours while the emergency services dealt with the aftermath of the accident.

A spokesman for the East Anglian Ambulance service said an ambulance attended the scene at 7.39pm on Wednesday.

The spokesman added: “The man suffered serious injuries which unfortunately resulted in cardiac arrest.

“The ambulance crew started working through the full resuscitation protocol which continued whilst the man was transported on blue lights and sirens to Colchester General Hospital.

“Despite the efforts of the hospital and ambulance staff they were unable to save the patient and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.”

No-one else was injured in the crash, he added.

Police said yesterday they were keen to speak to anybody who saw the motorbike in the time leading up to the crash.

Any witness are asked to contact Pc Teen Naman at Bocking Traffic Police Unit on 01376 330722.