Two Norfolk motorcyclists who were killed yesterday in a horror crash between Haddiscoe and Hales were travelling in opposite directions, police have confirmed.

It happened on the B1136 Loddon Road shortly after 1.50pm about 400 metres near to the junction with Crab Apple Lane and involved a black Aprilia RS3 and a multi-coloured BMW S1000.

Both riders, a 48-year-old man and a 52-year-old man, died at the scene a short while afterwards.

The road was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident and later re-opened shortly after 7.15pm.

No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the crash, which happened just days after police released a shocking video featuring clips of a fatal bike crash captured on the deceased rider's headcam as part of a road safety campaign.

Chief Inspector Chris Spinks, head of roads policing for Norfolk and Suffolk, said: 'This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with families and friends of those involved at this difficult time.

'A full investigation into the cause of these fatalities needs to take place before I can comment further on this particular road traffic collision.'

He added: 'The devastating impact fatal collisions have for all those involved cannot be underestimated; it is extremely sad and highlights the need of getting riders and drivers to be aware of dangers.'

Yesterday's deaths are not the first to have occurred on that stretch of road.

In August 2011 Sam Barnes, 24, of Shropham, Attleborough, died when the blue Ford Focus he was driving hit the verge and overturned. He died at the scene.

William Kemp, a South Norfolk councillor for Thurlton ward, which covers Aldeby, Burgh St Peter, Haddiscoe, Norton Subcourse, Thurlton, Toft Monks and Wheatacre, said his sympathies went out to the families of those involved in the crash.

He said: 'That road is notorious for incidents. Often there's near misses, but I think there has been a few fatalities there in the past few years.

'It's quite an undulating road. It can be quite a dangerous road. I've cycled along it in the past and drivers do travel quite quickly and visibility can be a bit challenging.'

The men are not expected to be named until an inquest has been opened.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information concerning the riding manner of either motorcycle prior to the collision.

• Witnesses should contact PC Charlie Savage at the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 101.