A MOTORCYCLIST is fighting for his life after a horrific accident on Runcorn Expressway.

The 32-year-old married Runcorn man, who has not been named, was pinned against a road barrier after being thrown off his bike.

Firefighters used giant pliers and cutting equipment to prise open the crash barrier to release him.

Leading firefighter Ken Sharratt, said: "We had to use special cutting gear to open up the crash barrier and get him out.

"Paramedics tended to him at the scene whilst we worked to free him."

The motorcyclist's condition was described as 'critical' yesterday by medical staff at Warrington Hospital.

He is in intensive care with back and leg injuries.

The accident happened around 3am on Saturday, December 30 on the slip road junction from the Daresbury Expressway to the Central Expressway.

Halton police are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information is asked to phone 01244-613766.

Meanwhile, a motorist seriously injured in an accident which killed his friend is making slight progress.

The 26-year-old Runcorn driver is still in intensive care at Warrington Hospital following the crash on the A56 at Preston Brook in Runcorn.

His condition was described yesterday as "improving slightly", following surgery.

His 24-year-old passenger, who died at the scene, was named this week as Colin William Rolands of Folkestone Way, Murdishaw.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned.

Firefighters had to cut both victims out of the wreckage, using heavy rescue equipment.

A police spokesman said the Vauxhall Cavalier was in the process of overtaking another car when it overturned and collided with a set of pedestrian crossing traffic lights.

The accident happened at 11.15pm on Wednesday, December 20. The car was travelling towards Murdishaw when it spun out of control.