THE distraught father of a 19-year-old Suffolk man who died after a road crash has pleaded with motorists to be even more alert to the dangers faced by motorcyclists.

By John Howard

THE distraught father of a 19-year-old Suffolk man who died after a road crash has pleaded with motorists to be even more alert to the dangers faced by motorcyclists.

And the teenager's mother said last night she hoped no other parent ever had to know the pain their family was feeling in the wake of the tragedy.

Gary Burroughs, of Hooper Square, Bury St Edmunds, was involved in the accident with a transit pickup in nearby Tollgate Lane as he went to work at 7.30am on Friday.

Staff at the Speedy Hire depot rushed to help Mr Burroughs after his black Yamaha collided with a low loader vehicle, belonging to the tool hire company, which was parked outside their premises in Lancaster Avenue.

Gary later died at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury. No other vehicle was involved.

Trevor Burroughs, who lives in Thetford, said he and his son shared a passion for bikes and had attended bike events together.

A tearful Mr Burroughs said: "He was cheeky, very well liked and had a heart of gold, he would do anything for anyone.

"Gary was a normal, everyday boy who was passionate about his bikes. He loved them and said he did not want a car, was interested in bikes since he was old enough to ride them, and was hooked, 100%.

"I cannot fault Gary's riding, he knew how to ride his bike. That road is terrible and can be dangerous for motorcyclists. Other road users need to be aware of motorbikes.

"I just want to know exactly what happened, there are so many different stories. Everyone there at the time did what they could, the people at the hospital, the police, everyone, but I do not know how I will deal with this, I really don't.''

Campaigners have stepped up their calls for improvements, claiming parking arrangements and the number of vehicles using the road is becoming a serious safety issue. St Edmundsbury Borough Council has pledged to look at the details of the fatality and if there is something the authority can do to reduce the likelihood of any more accidents, will do so.

Gary's mother Teresa Lennox, from Hooper Square, said she never wanted parents to go through what they had endured.

She said she would prefer youngsters never had motorbikes, but accepted to forbid it would only make them more determined to have one.

She said: "He will be very much missed by everyone. He just liked being with his friends and girlfriend. I do not want any other parents to know how we are feeling.''

Last night many bouquets of flowers were being laid at the scene of Gary's accident containing messages, telling of a much-loved teenager.

Mr Burroughs was born and raised in Bury St Edmunds, and was educated in the town. He attended Sexton's Manor primary school, St James' and Westley middle schools, and the County Upper School.

He left school at 16 and worked for a camera firm in the town, and later as a roof tiler. He then went to work for Chassis Cabs, where he was training to be a panel beater and sprayer and had been for 18 months before his death. He attended college in Ipswich once a week on day release as part of his company training.

Gary enjoyed computer games, television and socialising. He came from a close family and had a brother and two half brothers. He also leaves a girlfriend.

Anyone with any information about the accident should contact Suffolk Constabulary on 01284 774100.