FIVE people have been killed in accidents on the roads in the Bury area over the last two months, figures reveal. The tragic death toll compares with nine fatal accidents on the roads in the borough throughout last year as a whole. The tragic start to 2003 has seen the deaths of two young rugby stars, a teenager, an elderly pedestrian and a cyclist. Police believe action must be taken now to cut deaths.

Insp Andy Hudson, the new boss of Bury's police traffic unit, said: "Last year was bad enough for the borough and the first two months of 2003 have been traumatic for everyone involved in these fatal road accidents.

"The causes of the latest tragedies are still being investigated but accidents are caused by a variety of reasons: speed, poor concentration, complacency, tiredness, or alcohol.

"All road users, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, need to be aware of their surroundings, remain alert and stick to the law of the land. If not, we could suffer a more horrific time."

While the number of fatal accidents throughout Greater Manchester has decreased by 20 per cent and the overall collision figures have also fallen, police in Bury are determined to cut the number of road accident casualties during the next ten months.

Insp Hudson, aged 41, said: "I have taken charge of an 18-strong unit of dedicated and professional police officers whose sole aim is to make the roads of the borough safer for all users.

"Speeders and drink drivers will be caught and prosecuted, and people will be encouraged to think safe when using our roads."