A scooter rider is in hospital being treated for broken bones after a road accident at traffic lights.

Cleveland Police say the rider of the Yamaha may have jumped a red light in Hartlepool town centre before colliding with a car.

Efforts are being made to trace the rider of a second machine which failed to stop and give details. Witnesses saw both motor cycles travelling along Raby Road together, prior to the accident.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "The Yamaha motor cycle passed through traffic lights on Chester Road which were believed to be on red. In doing so the motor cycle collided with a Vauxhall Astra motor vehicle.''

Of the second motor cycle, she said: "This motor cycle is being traced by police.''

Police are appealing for the rider of the second machine to come forward. Witnesses to Wednesday's smash between the Yamaha scooter and a Vauxhall Astra are asked to ring the Force's accident investigation unit on (01642) 301552.