Motorcyclist found in ditch named

File photo / Herald on Sunday

Police have named a motorcyclist found dead down a bank south of Auckland yesterday.

Daniel Brian Young, 32, was found lying in a drain one metre down a bank on Patumahoe Rd, near Gun Club Rd, about 2pm.

His body was not visible from the road so could have been there for several hours before being spotted by a horse rider, said Alison Jelley of the Manukau serious crash unit.

There was a small stream running along the drain so it was not known whether he died of his injuries or drowned in the water, she said.

A post mortem being carried out today should reveal the cause of death.

Police were appealing to anyone who saw the crash, or the man's white Buell Firebolt motorcycle, registration 57WBR, in the area yesterday to contact them.

It was not yet known what caused the crash, but there was no evidence that any other vehicles were involved, Ms Jelley said.

Next of kin have been notified.

- NZPA