A MOTORBIKE rider died after suffering internal injuries when he collided with a metal barrier, an inquest ruled.

Rod Byers lost control of his Suzuki motorbike as he was riding down Birk Brow on the A171 just outside of Guisborough.

The 70-year-old, of Salcombe Avenue, Jarrow, was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital but died of his injuries following the accident on Sunday, April 15.

The pensioner, who had a history of medical problems, was out riding with a group of friends from the Suzuki Owners Club when the incident occurred.

Teesside Coroners Court heard how the pensioner seemed to lose control of his bike on a sharp bend before coming off on the gravel and hitting his head on the ground.

Kevin Close, who was riding with Mr Byers, said in his evidence that earlier in the day his friend had dropped his bike but had never complained about feeling unwell.

A police investigation into the incident revealed that Mr Byers had not been drinking or taken any illicit drugs.

The post mortem report into Mr Byers' death concluded that he suffered internal bleeding after rupturing his spleen, damaging his liver and breaking some ribs.

Assistant Teesside Coroner Jo Wharton recorded that the retired heavy goods vehicle driver died as the result of a road traffic collision.