A 22-YEAR-OLD man died in a fatal crash hours after stealing a motorbike in Latchford.

Police say they discovered the body of Andrew Wilde at 8am on Saturday.

He was found on a service road next to the Manchester Ship Canal on Thelwall Lane.

Mr Wilde had been riding the stolen bike on Friday night before crashing, according to officers.

Parents Christine and Andrew Wilde, who live in Appleton, released a statement to the Warrington Guardian.

In it they said: “Andrew was a much loved son, brother and family member.

“A friend to many, he was a young man who lived life to the full.

“People from within the local community describe him as a loveable rogue, and he was our loveable rogue.

“Our love for him was unconditional.

“He is going to be missed by his family and friends.

“We would like to thank Cheshire Police and neighbours and friends for their support.”

Friends also left tributes on Mr Wilde’s Facebook page.

Sarah Daniels said: “I’ll miss your little blonde head and that cheeky little smile.

“You had a heart of gold, you were just misunderstood.

“People can say what they like but everybody who really knows you knows you were a loving person.”

Police are still investigating his death, with officers hunting for a second man.

The KTM 400 - an adventure bike that can be converted for road use - had been taken from a property on Grange Avenue.

Its owner, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s a very fast bike, a very powerful bike especially in the wrong hands.”

A second bike, reportedly worth around £700, had also been stolen. It is not yet clear who took the second bike.

The adapted bike is used by her two-year-old son who has splints on his legs and cannot walk properly.

“I’m just so upset by it,” she said.

“We have got a heart and we are upset that a young person has lost their life and they are not going to get that back, but we want people to see our side of things as well.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting incident 191 of January 12.