POLICE have moved quickly to quash rumours that there was a terrorist attack in Middlesbrough at the weekend.

A van collided with a cyclist in the town centre at around 9.50pm on Sunday night, sparking social media posts that suggested the incident was terror related.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: “Contrary to rumours circulating on social media, police would like to reassure residents that an incident earlier this evening is not terror related and that there is no risk to the wider public.

“A van collided with a man riding a bicycle on Linthorpe Road at around 9.50pm.

“The 25-year-old cyclist was not seriously injured and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with an earlier report of a vehicle being damaged on Portman Street.

“The 32-year-old van driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.”

Both men now face questioning, with officers remaining in the area to offer reassurance to the public.