AN 83-year-old cyclist who suffered serious head injuries after hitting a pothole while riding his bike has died.

Roger Hamer, of Manchester Road, Ramsbottom, died at Salford Royal Hospital on April 4.

He suffered a ‘life-threatening’ head injury after striking a pothole in Bury New Road in Ramsbottom, on March 5.

Mr Hamer, who was not wearing a helmet, was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital.

The road was closed for more than four hours and police confirmed no other vehicles were involved in the incident.

Ramsbottom Cllr Ian Bevan paid tribute to Mr Hamer and said: “It is with great sadness that we have heard that one of our constituents tragically died from his injuries. Roger was passionate about local issues.

“My sympathies, and those of my colleague, Cllr Rob Hodkinson, go out to Roger’s family and friends.”

Cllr Bevan said he understands residents had reported the specific pothole to Bury Council.

He added: “As Ramsbottom’s elected representatives, we have called for an immediate and full investigation into when the last routine highways inspection was prior to the accident, when the pothole was reported, when the pothole was inspected post-repair and the anticipated date for repair so that lessons can be learned.”