A YOUNG man who died in a crash involving a motorbike and a car near Chester has been named by a coroner.

Coronial proceedings were formally opened in relation to the death of Oliver Astin on Wednesday at Warrington Coroner’s Court.

Mr Astin, of Farndon, south of Chester on the England-Wales border, died on the A556 Chester Road in Delamere on July 21 aged just 24.

The court heard how Mr Astin died following a serious road traffic collision on the route, which was closed by Cheshire Police for a number of hours afterwards.

Officers were called to the scene at around 9.15am on Sunday, July 21, to find that a white Audi A5 and an orange Kawasaki ZC motorcycle had been involved in a collision.

The biker died at the scene, with the force stating in the following days that his family were being supported by specialist officers.

His identity was confirmed by a police officer through his driving licence.

An inquest was requested due to his cause of death being ‘unnatural’, with a further request for proceedings to be adjourned so that further work can be completed.

Having heard from the coroner officer, a decision was made by Jacqueline Devonish, senior coroner for Cheshire, to open and adjourn the inquest.

She said: “On the evidence I have heard, I am satisfied that Oliver Astin will require an inquest.

“Therefore, I formally open an inquest and adjourn to be heard on May 1, 2025. There will be an internal review on October 13.”

In the days following the incident, police investigations were said to be ongoing, with officers looking to speak with anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dashcam footage.

Inspector Steve Griffiths, of Cheshire Police’s serious and complex investigation unit, said: “Enquiries in relation to this incident are currently ongoing.

“As part of the investigation, I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision, has CCTV or dashcam footage.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident and believes they may have seen either of the vehicles travelling on Chester Road.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 1875877, or visit cheshire.police.co.uk/tell-us

Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.