A Scots biker has been found dead after police were alerted to a crash via an automated text.
Darrel Sturgeon, 21, was discovered by officers off the B741, near Straiton in Ayrshire, at around 7.35am on Thursday. Police had been alerted by an automated message from a mobile phone about a crash at the Cloyntie Toll Bridge area of the town at around 10.18pm on Wednesday.
Some devices now have a ‘Crash Detection’ feature, which is designed to detect severe car crashes. When an accident is detected the device sounds an alarm and displays an alert before making an automated call to the emergency services.
After receiving the alert, officers attended, carried out a thorough search of the area and made a number of additional enquiries. As a result of further information a red, blue and white Honda CBR600F motorcycle was discovered by officers the following morning.
Darrel was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are aware.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash but police say extensive enquiries are ongoing and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
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Inspector Craig Beaver, from Ayrshire Road Policing Unit said: “Our enquiries into the circumstances of what happened are under way and our thoughts are with Darrel’s family and friends.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen a red, blue and white Honda CBR600F motorcycle in Crosshill, Maybole and Straiton areas.
“I’m also appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dash-cam footage to contact us as soon as possible, as you may have captured something that could assist our investigation.
“Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4082 of November 8, 2023.”
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.