Harry Atkinson, 20, and Lewis Mason, 21, were riding an off-road motorcycle that collided with a Ford Kuga. Both families paid tribute to their “precious” and “dear” loved ones. High Barn Street in Royton was closed for much of Good Friday after police were called shortly after 11 p.m. in reports of a collision between the Suzuki motorcycle and the 4×4. Credit Harry Atkinson: Family booklet Paying tribute to 20-year-old plumber Harry, his family said: “Words can not describe what it’s like to lose our youngest child, Harry – our son – in such a tragic way. Our hearts are broken. “Harry is a very dear son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend. “His life and death will touch many people – more than all those who love him dearly. “Harry was 20, a tender, kind and thoughtful young man, so full of life – happy in his job as a plumber with all his life in front of him. “We want to thank all the first responders who tried to save the lives of both Harry and his friend and supported the other people involved in the horrific incident. “I thank the police for their kindness and compassion, and I thank them for their kind words and support. “Harry is precious to us and as we try to come to terms with the harsh reality of not coming home, we ask people as a family to give us a little privacy, time and space in grief in our own way.” Lewis Meeson Credit: Family booklet 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. “It reinforced what we already knew; that everyone who knew him loved and is loved. “The family would like to thank everyone for the hundreds of kind, positive messages they have received. We are so grateful and it has brought us so much comfort in this horrible time.” The incident provoked a great emergency reaction. Credit: MEN Media Despite the efforts of the ambulances, the rider and the passenger of the motorcycle – men aged 20 and 21 respectively – were seriously injured and unfortunately lost their lives on the spot. The crash triggered a major emergency response, including an ambulance, a road ambulance and several police cars. Crews from the Greater Manchester Fire Department also rushed to the scene. Sergeant Phil Shaw, of the GMP Serious Conflict Research Unit, said: “My thoughts are with the families of the two young men who died tragically today after this horrific incident. “We are doing everything we can to understand how this conflict arose to ensure that the families of both victims receive the answers they need and that our specialist officers offer them support at this critical time.” “If you were in the area just before 11 a.m. “and you have a video with a dashboard or you may have seen the vehicles involved in this collision, then I urge you to contact us to gather as much information as we can to determine the circumstances of today’s morning events.” Two men die after car-motorcycle crash at Oldham Credit: MEN Media
