A MOTOCROSS centre boss today spoke of his horror over the accident which killed a 15-year-old rider.

Darren Coy said he was co-operating with the investigation into the death of Bacup teenager Matthew James Entwistle and that he feared the complex may have to close because of what had happened.

Matthew died following a 4x4 accident at the motocross centre next to the Cown Quarry, Whitworth, on Thursday evening.

It is understood the youngster, of Rochdale Road, Bacup, fell to his death over a steep drop of more than 70ft.

Police and Rossendale Council safety officials are now investigating the incident at the 150-acre off-road site.

Police today released a picture of the 15-year-old after his family paid tribute to their "wonderful son and brother" yesterday.

Mr Coy, who runs Cown Leisure Ltd, said it had been a tragic accident. He added: "Motocross, by the very nature of it, is a dangerous sport. We took over the quarry to set up somewhere for people to be able to ride off-road because everybody needs some-where to be able to ride.

"It's used by all kinds of people including the mountain rescue and fire brigade for training. It would be a shame for everybody involved if it had to close. We are complying with the investigation and are unable to say anything about the circumstances surrounding the accident because of the pending investigation."

The youngster, a pupil at Fearns Community Sports College, Bacup, was a keen trials and BMX biker and a member of Rossendale Motocross Club.

He was taking part in an organised practice session when the accident happened.

John Dickinson, news editor of Trials and Motocross News, said: "The course was set up with the full co-operation of the council and police to get bikes off the road rather than them blazing around everywhere. It is a tragedy for the sport."

Matthew's family described him as a "fun loving, caring and beautiful young boy".

They said he loved life and grasped it with both hands.

Their statement added: "He was a wonderful son and brother who was not afraid to openly show his love for us his brothers, Brett and Louie.

"We're all devastated by Matthew's death and we're struggling to understand why someone so young, so special, so loving has been taken from his family."