BEDFORDSHIRE Police says it has made a breakthrough in its investigation into the death of a motorcyclist on the A1(M) thanks to the Comet. Benjamin Allmond, 23, from Lincoln, died on Monday, June 19, when his red Honda motorbike collided with the rear of

BEDFORDSHIRE Police says it has made a breakthrough in its investigation into the death of a motorcyclist on the A1(M) thanks to the Comet.

Benjamin Allmond, 23, from Lincoln, died on Monday, June 19, when his red Honda motorbike collided with the rear of a silver Mercedes on the slip road at junction 7 on the southbound carriageway of the motorway at Stevenage.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission, which is managing the inquiry, said marked vehicles from Hertfordshire Constabulary had requested Mr Allmond to stop just before the collision.

Following an appeal for witnesses, which the Comet carried, three members of the public who had read the story responded. Police have also tracked down the driver of a Ford Mondeo who was seen close to the incident.

"Thanks to the Comet three witnesses came forward," said a member of the police investigating team.

IPCC commissioner David Petch said: "Three members of the public came forward as a direct result of the help we received from media appeals.

"The fourth, the driver of a Ford Mondeo, was found by sheer hard work.

"On three consecutive Mondays a Bedfordshire police van, by the side of the A1(M), automatically noted vehicle numbers and in addition an officer stood and noted down the registration numbers of another 60 or more possible vehicles.

"Bedfordshire police then started to phone up the owners of the cars. Luckily they did not have to call all several hundred people before they found the driver.

"We are still looking for witnesses."

Anyone who was travelling near junction 7 of the A1(M) at 8.30am on June 19 should contact Bedfordshire police on 01234 842469 or email enquiries@ipcc.gov.uk