TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenager killed following a bike crash in Guisborough on Sunday night.

The 17-year-old biker named locally as Sonny Stephenson died and a pillion passenger was injured when the bike they were travelling on collided at the junction of Bolckow Road and Hollymead Drive at around 9.15pm.

The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene while the passenger was taken to Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital for treatment to injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

The victim, who has not yet been formally identified, is understood to have lived close to the scene of the accident.

Following news of the crash, a large number of people took to social media to pay tribute to the teenager.

One post said: “Words can’t describe what utter devastation everyone is feeling, another life taken far too soon. Heart goes out to his family at this sad time.”

Another said: “I can’t even get my head around it, he was just a baby at 17, he had his whole life ahead of him.

“He was so loved and handsome. Guisborough won’t be the same without little gorgeous faced Sonny flying about Wilton Lane.”

The MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Simon Clarke, sent condolences to the victim’s family.

Mr Clarke added: “Last night’s motorcycle fatality in Guisborough is a terrible story and I send my deepest sympathies to all those affected.”

The politician said the tragedy had underlined the need for action in relation to road safety in Guisborough, adding: “I’ll be looking into the issue with local councillors and the police as road safety in the town, particularly at night, is becoming an increasing problem.

“I raised it in my meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner earlier this month and this tragedy only underlines the need for action.”

Earlier today, a spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: “Officers investigating the fatal collision have identified the rider, however formal identification will take place later today.

“Specially trained officers have been appointed to support the rider’s family and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision are on-going.”

Police believe no other vehicles were involved in the crash and are now appealing for witnesses to come forward who were in the area or the surrounding area at the time of the collision, believed to have happened at around 9.15pm.

  • Anyone with information should contact police on non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.