Tragic Bracknell Crash Sparks Social Media Caution

Neighbours have been asked not to speculate after a fatal crash in Bracknell's Harvest Ride.

Two crashes happened on Thursday 8 October. The worst was at the Melody Lane junction at about 4.25pm. A silver Range Rover and a blue Yamaha motorbike were involved; the motorcyclist, in his twenties, died at the scene. Earlier that morning there was a separate crash involving a Porsche and a Volkswagen.

Councillor Robert McLean urged restraint and warned against social media speculation.

"We don't know the facts surrounding this incident, speculating about highway improvements is premature."

"Someone has died, that's a tragedy. We need to pause."

"We need Thames Valley Police to establish what happened, and what, if anything, can be done to prevent further incidents."

"That person had a family and friends, posting so soon after this tragic event is not a good idea, I just want people to think before putting stuff on social media."

"There were some posts on social media saying 'this should happen, that should happen' so I felt compelled to post and to ask for people to take a step back."

McLean said he and Cllr Gareth Barnard fought to get safe crossings on Harvest Ride and is happy to work with anyone on road safety.

"Me and cllr Gareth Barnard (Conservative, Whitegrove) had to fight long and hard to get safe crossings in Harvest Ride for pedestrians and cyclists."

"Let's take a step back and wait, then we can decide what's best to do."

Warfield Parish councillor Jo Hawley has called a public meeting on road safety at Brownlow Hall, Newell Green RG42 6AB at 6.30pm on Thursday 15 October. Hawley is also the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Bracknell.

Witnesses to the fatal crash can call 101 with reference 43260527071 or report it via Thames Valley Police's website. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its website.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter