A MOTORBIKER caught up in a collision on the Heads of the Valleys road at the weekend died of his severe injuries, an inquest heard.

At the opening of the inquest into the death of biker Glyndwr John Evans, 49, from Glynneath, Gwent Coroner David Bowen said Mr Evans had died of "blunt injuries to the trunk, including multiple fractures of the ribs and pelvis."

Mr Evans died after a crash involving a Peugeot car and another motorbike, on the Gilwern to Brynmawr stretch of the A465 near Clydach at 12.35pm on October 27.

The single man, who lived at Pentre Street in Glynneath, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the Peugeot, named locally as Phillip Bath, was flown by air ambulance to the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff, where he died on Sunday (October 28).

A 24-year-old man from the Abergavenny area has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, while two other men, a 21-year-old from the Brynmawr area and a 22-year-old from the Blaina area were arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving.

All three have been released on bail pending further investigations.

Mr EvansÕ family released a tribute to him, saying: "John was a keen and safe motorcyclist with many years of experience and has been tragically killed while doing something he loved.

"He was a loving brother and will be dearly missed by our family and friends."

Officers are re-appealing for information following the crash and want to speak to the driver of a black Renault Clio which was seen in the area at the time of the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or call the Collision Investigation Unit on 01633 642404.

The inquest was adjourned for three months while investigations continue.