A MOTORCYCLIST who was critically injured after his bike collided with a car and burst into flames is now “awake and alert.”

The 53-year-old, from Pittington, near Durham City, was thrown into the air when his Suzuki GSF collided with a Renault Megane at Thinford, near Spennymoor, on Wednesday, August 12.

He suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries and is believed to have been placed in a medically induced coma and undergone surgery at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The 40-year-old female driver of the Megane suffered minor injuries and declined hospital treatment.

A Facebook page has been set up by the motorcyclist’s family to update people on his condition.

In a post yesterday evening (Sunday) a loved one wrote: “Although he’s still on a ventilator, he’s getting less support. He’s awake and alert.”

It goes on to say: “All good folks but keep the vibes please. Thanks again for all the support. It means a lot.”

Durham Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the vehicles immediately before it occurred, just before 3.15pm, to contact investigators on 0191 3752159.