PARAMEDICS have praised three members of the public who battled desperately to save the life of a fatally injured motorcyclist.But despite the best efforts of the passing motorists to revive 55-year-old Richard Bundy, from Braintree, he died after being airlifted to Colchester General Hospital.

PARAMEDICS have praised three members of the public who battled desperately to save the life of a fatally injured motorcyclist.

But despite the best efforts of the passing motorists to revive 55-year-old Richard Bundy, from Braintree, he died after being airlifted to Colchester General Hospital.

Father-of-two Mr Bundy, from Kynaston Road, was riding along Victoria Hill, south of Shalford Green, at around 11.45am yesterday when the accident happened.

It appears his bike left the road, collided with a set of iron railings and catapulted him over the handlebars into Pods Brook, a nearby stream.

The passing drivers stopped and rushed to his aid, and when ambulance personnel arrived the men were carrying out CPR on Mr Bundy as they held his head out of the water.

"The crew took over using their advanced life support techniques and got the man, who was estimated to be in his 50s, out of the stream," a spokesman for Essex Ambulance service said.

"Resuscitation efforts were continued as the man was flown to Colchester General Hospital. Unfortunately all the efforts were in vain and the man died in hospital.

"The effort of the motorists was outstanding and could well have made a difference to the outcome of this incident.

"We would pay tribute to the men who tried so hard."

Yesterday PC Alex Southgate, of Essex Police, said former South African air traffic controller Mr Bundy's wife and two grown-up children wanted to know how the accident happened.

"I am looking to trace any other motorists on the surrounding roads in Shalford Green between 11.30am and midday who may have seen Richard riding along on his bike.

"They could prove to be crucial witnesses to the investigation."

Following the accident the section of road was closed for four hours as the emergency services dealt with the scene.

Anybody with any information is asked to contact Bocking Road Policing Unit on 01376 330722.