A MOTORCYCLIST suffered serious leg injuries after he lost control of his bike in the early hours of this morning.

The 21-year-old rider was injured when he crashed through the central reservation of the A693, near Ouston, Chester-le-Street at around 3.45am.

The injured man, who comes from Birtley, was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham for treatment following the accident outside Pelton Lane Community Primary School.

The road was partially closed for two hours following the incident.

Witnesses to the crash are asked to call Durham Constabulary’s accident investigation unit on 0345 6060365.