A ROCK left in the middle of the road appears to have caused the death of a motorcyclist in High Wycombe this morning, police have said.

The rider, a 52-year-old High Wycombe man, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which happened in Daws Hill Lane in the early hours of this morning.

Officers from Thames Valley Police were called at 6.30am after the man, who was riding a blue Honda CBR motorbike, was found by a member of the public.

Police say that while the investigation remains at an early stage it appears a large rock had been placed in the road, which the motorcycle struck.

Officers have made an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone who was in the area prior to 6.30am and has any information about the collision, or who saw any suspicious activity, should contact Sgt Grant Thomas of the Road Death Investigation Unit on 101, quoting URN 715 7/10.

If you don't want to speak directly to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.