Families pay tribute to Harry Atkinson and Lewis Meeson who died after Good Friday collision in Oldham

Emotional tributes have been paid to two young motorbike riders who died following a horror road collision in Greater Manchester on Good Friday.

Harry Atkinson and Lewis Meeson, who were just 20 and 21 respectively, were involved in a serious road incident in Oldham.

They both died after sustaining critical injuries and their devastated families have now shared moving accounts of their heartbreak and grief at their losses as well as thanking the public for the outpouring of support and kind messages.

Police say they are continuing to investigate the collision and are urging anyone with information about what happened to come forward.

What happened in the Good Friday collision in Oldham?

Harry and Lewis were riding a yellow Suzuki off-road motorbike shortly before 11am on Good Friday (15 April) when they collided with a grey Ford Kuga on High Barn Street near the junction of Cardigan Street in the Royton area of Oldham.

Both young men died from critical injuries.

The shocking incident is now the subject of an investigation by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

The driver of the Ford remained at the scene and is assisting us with our enquiries.

Specialist officers are continuing to support the families of the two victims.

Harry Atkinson’s family pay tribute to him

Paying tribute to 20-year-old plumber Harry, his family said: “Words can’t describe how it feels to lose our youngest child, Harry - our son - in such a tragic way. Our hearts are broken.

“Harry is a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend.

“His life and his death will touch many people - most of all those who love him dearly.

“Harry was 20, a loving kind and thoughtful young man; so full of life - happy in his job as a plumber with his whole life ahead of him.

“We want to thank all the first responders who tried their best to save both Harry and his friend’s lives and supported the other people involved in the terrible incident.

“Thanks to the police who showed such kindness and compassion, and thanks for everyone’s kind words and support.

“Harry is precious to us and as we try to come to terms with the harsh reality that he isn’t coming home, we ask that people give us as a family some privacy, time and space in grieve in our own way.”

What did Lewis Meeson’s family say in their tribute to him?

The family of 21-year-old Lewis made a moving tribute to him, saying: “The family has been completely devastated by the loss of our beloved Lewis.

“We are truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support from the community and from Lewis’s friends and family.

“This has reinforced what we already knew; that he is loved and cherished by everyone who knew him.

“The family would like to thank everybody for the hundreds of kind, positive messages that have been received. We are so grateful and it has brought much comfort at this horrific time. “

What have the police said?

GMP said that so far no arrests have been made but the investigation into the incident is continuing.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or may have dashcam footage.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 1045 of the date 15/04/2022.

Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.