A MOTORBIKE passenger died yesterday in a crash with a car in Bedwas.

Police have named the victim as Claire Victoria Franklin, a 40 year-old from Caerphilly. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her companion, a 31-year-old man from Caerphilly is currently in a critical condition at the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff.

The collision, between a red Peugeot 306 estate and the bike happened on on Pandy Road in Bedwas at around 5.15pm.

The driver of the car which collided with the bike, a 33-year-old Abertillery man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs and is currently in custody.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the collision or anyone who may have seen the car or the motorbike before the collision to call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log number 407 23/12/13