A MOTORCYLIST seriously injured in a collision with a tractor yesterday is today (Thursday, June 4) in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

The 54-year-old, from Blackhall Colliery, was airlifted to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough after his machine, a Hyosung Aquila, was involved in a collision with a tractor shortly after 2.30pm.

He suffered multiple injuries in the collision on the A691 road between Lanchester and Witton Gilbert.

The tractor driver, a 26-year-old man from Wingate, was uninjured.

It is believed the tractor was travelling west, moving slowly, with a line of traffic behind, when the driver indicated his intention to turn right.

He pulled the vehicle into the cross hatch area on the road intending to turn right onto a field. The collision occurred as the motorcyclist began to overtake the tractor.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Durham Constabulary’s collision investigation unit direct on 0191 3752159.