Harry Atkinson, 20, and Lewis Meeson, 21, were riding on a yellow Suzuki off-road motorbike that crashed with a grey Ford Kuga on High Barn Street near the junction of Cardigan Street just before 11am.

The two men, who were both from Royton, died of the critical injuries they sustained in the crash, and now their families have paid tribute to them.

Harry, a plumber, was described by his family as "a loving, kind and thoughtful young man" who was "full of life".

They also said he was "a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend" who had "his whole life ahead of him".

Their statement said: "Words can't describe how it feels to lose our youngest child, Harry - our son - in such a tragic way.

"Our hearts are broken.

"His life and his death will touch many people - most of all those who love him dearly."

The family of Lewis offered a moving tribute, saying they have been "completely devastated by the loss of our beloved Lewis".

They said: "We are truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support from the community and from Lewis’s friends and family.

"This has reinforced what we already knew; that he is loved and cherished by everyone who knew him.

"The family would like to thank everybody for the hundreds of kind, positive messages that have been received.

"We are so grateful and it has brought much comfort at this horrific time. "

Harry's family also thanked "all the first responders who tried their best to save both Harry and his friend's lives and supported the other people involved in the terrible incident".

The pair's deaths are subject to an ongoing investigation by GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

The driver of the Ford remained at the scene and is assisting us with enquiries.

No arrests have been made following the crash and police are continuing to appeal for information and dash-cam footage.

Speaking on Friday, Sergeant Phil Shaw, of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "My thoughts go out to the families of the two young men who have tragically lost their lives today after this awful incident.

"We are doing what we can to understand how this collision came to be to ensure that the families of both victims are given the answers they need, and our specialist officers are offering them support at this devastating time.

"If you were in the area shortly before 11am and have dash-cam footage, or may have seen the vehicles involved in this collision, then I urge you to contact us so we can piece together as much information we can to establish the circumstances of this morning's events."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 1045 of 15/04/2022.

Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.