Bikie killed escaping police named

Police have named the 28-year-old man who died after attempting to escape police on his motorcycle near Wellington yesterday.

He was Leith David Barnes from Timaru.

Police allege that they spotted Mr Barnes on State Highway One near Tawa as he headed toward the capital about 4.20pm.

Area commander Peter Cowan told NZPA a patrol car gave chase but soon lost sight of the man when he left the motorway and headed into the suburb of Newlands.

Mr Cowan said police were still speaking to witnesses, but it appeared the man had lost control, crashing over a bank and falling about 15 metres to his death.

Police are appealing for witnesses of the crash and would like people to call Wellington police on (04) 381 2000.

- NZ HERALD STAFF