A TERRITORIAL Army mechanic from Rock Ferry died from multiple injuries he received when his bike collided with a car on Monday morning.

The collision, between 22-year-old Andrew Ireland's machine and a Toyota Avensis, happened at the junction of Waterpark Road and Osmaston Road, Prenton at around 7.20am

Mr Ireland was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital with multiple injuries and later died. The 41-year-old driver of the car, from Birkenhead, was taken to hospital with injuries and later released.

Craftsman Ireland joined the TA in 2003 and was a vehicle mechanic in 156 (North West) Transport Regiment. He trained with 234 Squadron and was based at the TA Centre in Chetwynd Road, Birkenhead.

Mr Ireland's family were too upset to speak. Lieutenant Colonel Marcus Gartside, Commanding Officer 156 (North West) Transport Regiment, said: "We were all shocked and saddened to hear that Craftsman Ireland had died."

Mr Gartside added: "He was an excellent soldier with great potential. He will be sorely missed by everyone at the regiment and our thoughts are with his family."

Meanwhile a four-year-old boy from Seacombe was said to be in a stable condition at Alder Hey Hospital with a fractured skull after being in collision with a 4x4-type vehicle at the weekend.

Liam Williamson was crossing Brighton Street in Seacombe with his family and had bent down to pick up a toy moments before the incident.

The driver of the car was taken home suffering from shock.