A TEENAGE biker died after attempting to overtake a tractor on a busy Herefordshire road, an inquest heard.

Hereford Coroner's Court heard last month how Kallum Wilkes died on the A44 in Monkland when he fell off his bike while trying to overtake.

Mr Wilkes, 18, died at the scene of the crash, which involved four vehicles. 

A post-mortem revealed that he had sustained a fracture through his neck and skull. A toxicology report showed no alcohol or drugs in his system when he died.

The inquest heard how Mr Wilkes was travelling on the A44 from his home in Leominster to his workplace, a sales yard in Eardisley, on the morning of February 27.

It was heard how Mr Wilkes attempted to overtake a tractor, but while doing so he realised he could not safely perform the manoeuvre and suddenly applied his brakes. He lost his balance and fell off the bike, sliding across the road and being hit by an oncoming van. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The van driver, named as Mr Bowen, was said to have "done everything he could" to avoid hitting Mr Wilkes, and had tried to swerve towards the verge. Police tests showed that Mr Bowen was fit to drive.

A tribute given by Mr Wilkes' family at the time of his death said: "With hearts that are broken, we lost our beloved and cheeky son/brother in a tragic accident on February 27 on the A44.

"We give our heartfelt thanks to everyone for their condolences, support and kind words.

"He will be missed by family and friends. His memory will live on with all that met him.

"Ride high our boy, we all love and miss you."

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Coroner Roland Wooderson said that the overtake was attempted on a stretch of road with "solid white lines", which mean that overtaking is not allowed.

He said the reason why Mr Wilkes attempted to pass the tractor is unknown.

The coroner concluded Mr Wilkes died as a result of a road accident.