A CYCLIST described by his friends as a ‘gentle giant’ has died after a three-bike crash.

The 50-year-old named locally as Billy Dixon from Colne died after suffering a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain after a group of cyclists including two on Chopper style bikes collided.

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Police said the accident happened in Hill Lane, Colne after one of the cyclists a 19-year-old girl fell from her bike fracturing her ankle.

The two male riders cycling behind her, one being Mr Dixon, then collided with each other, police said.

Mr Dixon fell from his bike at about 9.25pm on Thursday suffering major head injuries.

He was initially taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment before later being transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital where he passed away on Friday.

Tributes have flooded social media for the popular character who earned the nickname ‘Clog Billy’ for his love of wearing clogs.

Debra Helen Winton said on Facebook: “Still can’t comprehend this or what the Dixon family must be going through.

“Condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you all, especially Jake Dixon.

“Your Dad was a ‘reight good laugh’ and his personality will leave a massive gap in the lives of many Colners. RIP Clog Billy.”

Mr Dixon worked as a stove and fire fitter.

Close friend and Colne Councillor Graham Roach said: “Billy Dixon was also known as Billy Bantam and as Billy Clog because he was always wore clogs.

“He had a pair for every occasion.

“He is a well-known character throughout Colne and he was like a gentle giant.

“He had long hair, a beard and he used to wear a neckerchief.

“He knew everybody and everybody knew him.”

Alison Porter, who was at the scene, said on Facebook: “I didn’t know this man, but it has deeply affected me.

“Thoughts go out to his family, especially to his son, Jake, who I tried to comfort as best I could at the scene.”

His friend at A&B Milligan, also took to Facebook to pay their respects.

A spokesman said: “Spare a moment to remember Billy who has fitted so many of your stoves and fires and tended your chimneys.

“A friend to everyone and the nicest man you could ever wish to meet.

“He also did so much for charity.

“Rest in peace Billy, those stoves and chimneys are as safe in your hands in heaven as they were here.

“We will miss you at Milligan’s.”

Pendle Council leader, Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, said: “This is a tragic loss and it demonstrates that life is so precious.

“I would urge everybody to be careful no matter what form of travel or vehicle they are using.”

Officers investigating the accident are now appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact them.

Sgt David Hurst said: “These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with this man and his family.

“We are appealing for information and would ask anyone who can help to come forward and contact police.”

The second male rider, aged 40, was uninjured.

The road was closed for two hours while accident investigators attended.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log reference 1637.