Police Constable Danny Yates, the investigating officer, said he was particularly keen to speak to the occupants of a car that was travelling ahead of the blue Suzuki motorcycle involved at the time of the crash.

The incident happened at the junction of the A49 and Crossways at about 2.10pm on Sunday 17th April.

The motorcycle was travelling along the A49 when a silver Audi A4 estate is believed to have come from the BP services side of Crossways, colliding with the bike.

Both the male rider and female pillion passenger, who are in their 50s, were thrown from the bike and suffered serious orthopaedic injuries.

They remain in hospital in a serious but stable condition and their injuries are not considered life-threatening at this stage.

PC Yates said: “Witnesses we have already spoken to have mentioned there was a vehicle at the front of the line of traffic, travelling ahead of the Suzuki when the crash happened but we have no details as to what the vehicle was.

“The occupant or occupants of this vehicle, while potentially not aware of the crash itself as it happened behind them, may have seen the silver Audi emerging from Crossways on their right.

“They may be able to give us information as to the manner of driving by either the car or motorbike involved immediately beforehand.

“I urge that driver or anyone else who may have been in the vehicle to please get in touch with me at Shrewsbury Police Station on 0300 333 3000.”

Anyone else who witnessed the crash but has not yet spoken to police is also urged to contact officers on the same number.