Family's heartache as great-grandad dies after being hit by motorbike while using zebra crossing

The family of a Leeds man killed after being hit by a motorbike while using a zebra crossing has spoken of their heartache.

Dr Lee Towers was walking on the zebra crossing in Victoria Road West in in Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, when he was struck by the motorbike. The crash took place at the junction of Daisy Bank, close to the Jolly Tars Wetherspoons in Thornton Cleveleys, at around 7.30pm on Monday, October 28.

On Wednesday, November 13 Thornton Cleveleys and Poulton Police confirmed the popular football coach had died from his injuries.

READ MORE: Elderly woman has hundreds of pounds stolen in cashpoint robbery

READ MORE: Three teenage boys killed in horror crash after 'car split in half'

In a heartbreaking tribute, his family said: “Dr Lee Towers, beloved great grandfather, will be sorely missed by his family, friends and cats! As a skilled modeller, his train layouts filled the house. "Doc" Towers inspired generations of footballers, coaching junior Leeds City sides for over half a century.”

Officers are still appealing for witnesses to the crash, which also left the motorbike rider, a man in his 20s, seriously injured. A spokesman for the force said: "A couple of weeks ago we appealed for witnesses after an elderly pedestrian was seriously injured in a collision on Victoria Road West in Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire.

"It is with great sadness that we can now update you that Mr Lee Towers, 82, from Leeds has passed away from his injuries.

"Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this difficult time.

"We’re continuing to appeal for witnesses.

"Mr Lee Towers was crossing Victoria Road West on a zebra crossing at the junction of Daisy Bank close to the Jolly Tars Wetherspoons in Thornton Cleveleys.

"The collision happened at about 7.30pm on Monday 28th October.

"The motorbike rider, a man in his 20s, also suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains. He will be spoken to at a later date."

Sgt Tony Beckett, of the force's Road Policing Team, said: “This collision has very sadly resulted in one man losing his life and another being seriously injured. I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened or who has any CCTV, dashcam or mobile footage to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information should call 101 quoting log 1266 of October 28th. You can also email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at sciu@lancashire.police.uk. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Get all the latest and breaking news in Leeds by signing up to our newsletter here.