A MOTORCYCLIST is fighting for his life after overtaking police and crashing into a barrier in the Tyne Tunnel.
The incident in the early hours of Tuesday morning has been reffered to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
Northumbria Police said officers were passed by a biker travelling north at the Jarrow end of the tunnel at about 1.45am.
The motorcyclist failed to stop and crashed into a barrier.
The man was taken to hospital where his injuries are this morning described as life-threatening.
The road was closed for a number of hours to allow for recovery and investigation, but has since reopened and is not expected to affect rush hour traffic.
A spokesman added: "There were a small number of vehicles at the scene at the time of the incident and police would ask anyone who witnessed anything before the incident or on approach to the Tyne Tunnel to contact police."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191, quoting reference 51 290915.
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