A schoolboy involved in a road accident at the weekend remained in a critical condition in hospital last night.

Daniel William Squires, 13, of Hartlepool, was taken to Newcastle General Hospital suffering from head injuries after his bicycle and a Ford Escort collided. Police are still appealing for witnesses to the accident, which happened in Stratford Road, Hartlepool, at 3pm on Saturday, to come forward. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Ian Robson, of the road policing unit, on (01642) 301552.

PURSE STOLEN: A woman with Downs syndrome was robbed of her purse by a man she had asked for directions in Newcastle on Saturday. A police spokesman said the woman was escorted by the man along Neville Street, Grange Road and Westgate Road, where he took her purse from her bag. The suspect has been described as 5ft 6in, slim, with spiky short brown hair. He was wearing a purple knee-length padded jacket.

FIRE PROBED: An investigation is under way after sparks from cutting equipment caused waste material to start smouldering. Cleveland firefighters were called to Synetix, at Billingham, as a precaution but the firm's own fire crew had already used a hand-held fire extinguisher to dampen down the rubbish and prevent a blaze.

VICTIM NAMED: A motorcyclist who was killed when his machine left the road on Saturday was named by police yesterday. David Robertson, 49, from Hawsker Close, Sunderland, died when his blue Honda crashed while negotiating a right-hand bend as he rode from Helmsley towards York, on the B1363.

STEPPING DOWN: Opera star Dame Janet Baker will stand down from her role as chancellor of York University next year. The 69-year-old York-born singer and actress intends to retire next July from the post she has held for 12 years. University leaders are now considing nominations for her successor.

ORCHESTRA BACK: The Hague Philharmonic, one of Holland's most distinguished orchestras, will be joined by the distinguished French pianist Michel Dalberto at Middlesbrough Town Hall tomorrow, at 7.45pm. For details, call (01642) 242561.

GOLFERS NEEDED: Golf clubs in the North-East are being urged to take part in this year's Help the Aged Charity Golf Championship. Clubs which enter the tournament can nominate one of their club medal days as a championship qualifier. To find out more, call 0207-924 1227.

WOMAN ROBBED: A 72-year-old woman was taken to hospital with a broken arm, cuts to her head and bruising after being pushed to the ground and robbed of her handbag in Felton Avenue, Gosforth, at 2.30pm on Friday. The attacker was described as being 6ft and wearing a fawn jacket.