A BIKER who narrowly escaped death in a 70mph collision with a wheelbarrow is hoping someone who saw the incident will come forward.

Andrew Farmer, 52, of Outing Close, Shoebury, was riding his blue Honda motorcycle along the A13, near Orsett, on September 14 at 7am when he went to overtake a car in front of him.

As he pulled out, he suddenly saw a wheelbarrow in the road and ploughed into it.

Mr Farmer, a London courier, said: “The wheelbarrow must have fallen off a truck.

“A car and bike in front of me both went to overtake another vehicle and I followed them.

“I saw them swerving slightly, but couldn’t see why. I didn’t see it until it was too late. I was thrown off my bike.

“An ambulance arrived, but luckily I just had cuts and bruises.

“My bike is badly damaged, but I am lucky to be alive.

“Someone may have seen what happened or someone might know who didn’t bother to stop when the wheelbarrow fell off their vehicle.

“It was a miracle no one was killed.”

Mr Farmer is recovering from a cut knee and a bruised shoulder and ribs. He has been unable to work since.

He added: “I only had third party insurance, so it has been a struggle to get my bike mended so I can get back to work. I am hoping someone might have some pictures because it is a crime to let something fall off a vehicle.”

A police spokeswoman said: “We were called at 7am on September 14 following reports a motorcyclist had collided with a wheelbarrow in the carriageway.

“The motorcyclist, a man from Shoebury, was treated for minor injuries. One lane of the A13, just after the junction with the A1089, was closed for recovery of the wheelbarrow.

“Any witnesses can call Laindon road policing unit on 0300 3334444.”