A MOTORCYCLIST described as a “great character” by friends died following a collision in Defford Road on Sunday afternoon.

Aled Jenkins, a dentist from Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, was riding his prized Harley Davidson – which had once been owned by the daredevil stuntman Evel Knievel – when the incident occurred at about 4pm.

It is thought he may have come off his bike before being hit by another vehicle, a blue Audi A6.

An ambulance service spokesman said: “The motorcyclist had suffered multiple serious injuries in the crash and as a result was in traumatic cardiac arrest.

“He received advanced life support by medics but despite their best efforts nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene. The man driving the car was uninjured but was treated for the effects of shock.”

Mr Jenkins, who was aged 52, was a dentist at the Dental Care Centre in Grafton Road, Gloucester. The centre was closed to patients this week.

He was in the Pershore area after meeting fellow bikers, including friend Steph Shaw, for lunch in Fladbury. Steph said: “I had known Aled for about six years, we met through bike meets which were held all over the Cotswolds and he had loads of bikes.

“We never knew which one he would be on.

“He was a jolly man, very quick and clever and he will be missed. He was a great character.”

West Mercia Police has appealed for witnesses to come forward. PC David Ashley said: “This is a tragic incident in which a man has lost his life.” Anyone with information should call 03003 333000 quoting incident number 488/S/021011.

A ‘ride out’ on Sunday will meet at the crash site at 4pm for a minute’s silence. Hundreds of bikers are expected to turn up.