Motorcyclist, 22, killed in crash with digger

UPDATED: The motorcyclist who was killed when he crashed into a parked digger over night was a 22-year-old Tauranga man.

Sergeant Mike Owen of the Western Bay of Plenty Highway Patrol said the motorcyclist died at the scene.

Matapihi Rd was closed for three hours while emergency services attended the scene.

The Police Serious Crash Unit attended and investigations are continuing into the cause of the crash.

Police would like anyone who saw the motorcycle in the vicinity of Matapihi Rd around the time of the crash to contact the Tauranga Police Station on 577 4300.

EARLIER: A motorcyclist died early this morning after colliding with an earth moving machine in Tauranga.

The crash happened about 2:20am on Matapihi Rd when the motorbike crashed into a digger which was parked on the side of the road.

The rider died instantly at the scene.

No details of the victim are available. The Police serious crash unit is investigating.