A DEVOTED dad was named today as the victim of a motorcycle tragedy.

Biker Liam Gerald Whitehead, 44, was killed on a Sunday afternoon ride on the moors above Saddleworth.

And today his family paid tribute to the Huddersfield biker, describing him as ‘devoted’ to his four-year-old daughter Poppy.

He was also a long-serving member of the Motorcycle Action Group and officials joined in the tributes.

Mr Whitehead died on Sunday afternoon after a crash on the A640 Huddersfield Road near Buckstones.

Police said that at about 1.50pm on Sunday, they had reports that a motorcyclist had come off his Yamaha bike on a bend near the junction with Ripponden Road.

It is believed he lost control of the bike. No other vehicles were involved.

Mr Whitehead was taken by ambulance to the Royal Oldham Hospital with serious injuries but later died.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “He has been formally identified as Liam Gerald Whitehead, 44, from Huddersfield. An inquest will open later this week”.

In a statement, Liam’s family said: “Liam was a devoted father to Poppy, four.

“Being a father was the best thing to ever happen to Liam.

“He was a keen repairer and rider of motorcycles, riding for nearly 30 years, and a lifelong member of the Motorcycle Action Group (Mag).

“He also had a keen interest in photography. He was very intelligent and could turn his hand to anything.

“Liam will be remembered and missed by his many friends and family.”

He was a member of Mag for many years. The Motorcycle Action Group is a voluntary organisation, drawing membership from across the whole spectrum of motorcycling.

It has evolved from a single issue group to a highly respected political lobbying and campaigns group which is central to all aspects of policy and legislation affecting motorcycling.

Spokesman Ian Murch said: “It is obviously a terrible tragedy and our sympathies go out to Liam’s family, friends and fellow members of Mag.”

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. Witnesses should call the Area Three Road Policing Unit on 0161 856 8802.