THREE men have been arrested after Saturday's crash on the Black Rock section of the Heads of the Valleys Road, which claimed the lives of two people.

Biker Glyndwr John Evans, aged 49, of Glynneath was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which occurred at 12.35pm on Saturday, October 27, close to the Drum and Monkey.

Philip Bath, aged 29, from Coed Cae in Nantyglo, was driving his yellow Peugeot 206 towards Brynmawr when the accident happened and was later flown by air ambulance to the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff. He died from his injuries on Sunday.

Another motorcyclist involved in the collision remains in a serious, but stable condition at Nevill Hall Hospital. The passenger in the car was also taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries.

On Monday a 24-year-old man from the Abergavenny area was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Additionally a 21-year-old man from the Brynmawr area and a 22-year-old man from the Blaina area were arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving and causing death by dangerous driving.

All three were released on police bail pending further investigations.

Local police are making a specific appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision which occurred on Saturday lunchtime and closed the road until 11pm.

The collision involved a Peugeot 206 car that was travelling uphill towards Brynmawr and a Yamaha motorcycle and a Brutale motorcycle travelling towards Abergavenny. 

Officers are aware of several people who were in the vicinity of the collision. In particular they are seeking assistance from the driver of a black Renault Clio.

Anyone who was in the area at the time is urged to come forward as they might hold vital information on the cause of the collision. They are asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or the Collision Investigation Unit on 01633 642404.

Mr Evans' family issued a tribute, which said, "John was a keen and safe motorcyclist with many years of experience and has been tragically killed while doing something he loved.

"John has recently retired from the RAF and moved back to the Glynneath area. He was a loving brother and will be dearly missed by our family and friends."

Friends remembered motorist Mr Bath on a Facebook memorial page with hundreds joining a group called 'RIP Phillip Bath let the memories live on'. Mr Bath was also known by the nickname of Kinky.

Since the incident the nearby bus stop has become a roadside shrine with bouquets of flowers being left with heartfelt messages set amongst a crucifix and a pair of candlesticks.

Following the collision County Councillor Giles Howard called for the A465 dualling to move forward as soon as possible.

"The A465 through the Gorge has always had a poor reputation for safety and the tragic events of the weekend are yet another reminder of why the road needs to be upgraded to modern standards.

"However, I'm also concerned about safety on the alternative routes through Clydach and the massive impact on residents when the dualling takes place.

"Last week I was in discussions with officers about how to introduce the 7.5 tonne limit proposals I made earlier in the year and suggestions of how vehicle speeds can be reduced through Clydach North and Blackrock - where front doors open directly onto the carriageway.

"The last thing we need is to transfer the problems of the A465 on to local roads."

•Those killed in last Saturday's tragic accident on the Heads of Valley's Road will be among those remember at a Road Peace Service, for all killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents, at St Mary's Priory at 4pm on November 17.