A MOTORCYLIST has been killed on his 27th birthday in a head-on smash on one of Trowbridge's busiest roads.

Ian Millin, of Frome, died when his Yamaha FZR 1000cc motorbike was in a collision with a car on County Way, just before 5.30pm on Monday.

Mr Millin was thrown from the bike as it struck an oncoming Nissan Micra coming from Hilperton Road and rolled into the path of an oncoming Citron Saxo.

Shocked motorists and passers-by watched as paramedics battled for 45 minutes to save Mr Millin's life.

Wiltshire's Air Ambulance landed on County Way but the Mr Millin was pronounced dead at the scene. His injuries included a broken spine, sternum and ribs.

Rush-hour traffic was brought to a standstill as police cordoned off the crash site for investigation.

Ten witnesses reported seeing another motorbike at the time of the accident and a countywide appeal for the driver to call police was made.

A biker from Hilperton volunteered himself to police on Wednesday and is being quizzed by officers.

PC Pete Williamson said: "There was a lot of traffic congestion and the road was closed for four to five hours."

WHEN newly-wed Joanna Watkins laid flowers for her brother at the crash site on County Way she had happier memories in mind.

In a cruel twist of fate the elder brother she adored had driven her past the same spot just weeks before on the way to her wedding ceremony at Trowbridge Registry Office.

Memories of what was the happiest day of her life are now tainted with tragedy.

Mrs Watkins, 24, said on the day of the crash her brother was excited about his 27th birthday.

Going for a spin on his new Yamaha FZR 1000 at 5.15pm, he promised his family he would be back 45 minutes later.

When he failed to return Mr Millin's 18-year-old girlfriend Christina Rogers, who had arranged a surprise birthday party at an Indian restaurant in Trowbridge, called him on his mobile phone.

But it was the police who answered - breaking news of the tragic crash to a shell-shocked family.

Mrs Watkins said the news came like a bolt out of the blue.

"We had to stay by the phone as they said the air ambulance was on its way. The next thing two police cars were outside and they told us Ian was dead.

"It was and still is absolutely awful especially because it was his birthday and we were all going out. It is the cruellest thing anyone could ever imagine.

"We all loved him so much, he had so many friends. I can't believe he drove me along the same route on my wedding day.

"I found out three weeks ago I was pregnant. Ian was so excited about becoming an uncle. We are hoping the baby is a boy so we can name it after him."

Mr Millin was a full-time carer for his 53-year-old mother, Patricia Golsby, and lived with her at the family home in Delmore Road, Frome.

Helping her cope with lung cancer, he was described by his sister as a devoted son.

Mrs Watkins said her brother's family and friends were struggling to come to terms with the crash and need to know what happened.

"The post-mortem said there was no drink or drugs in his system.

"He loved cars and bikes. The sad thing is he had so many and was such a good driver and rider.

"It is a mystery. I believe something or somebody has caused the crash.

"His girlfriend is absolutely devastated. They were hoping to get somewhere to live together. She is here with us and stays in his room."