POLICE have confirmed the identity of a biker killed in a crash at the weekend.

Teenager Sonny Stephenson was riding with a pillion passenger when he crashed in Guisborough on Sunday, August 27.

The 17-year-old lived close to the scene of the accident, which happened at the junction of Bolckow Street and Hollymead Drive at around 9.15pm.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and the pillion passenger was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police renewed the force’s appeal for witnesses this afternoon.

She said: “Police can now formally name the 17 year old who died in a collision in Guisborough at the weekend as Sonny Stephenson who lived in the town.

“Specialist officers continue to support Sonny’s family as they come to terms with what has happened and inquiries into the collision are on-going.

“Anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident and who has information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101.”

In the wake of the crash, Simon Clarke – MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland – sent his condolences to Sonny Stephenson's family and said that the incident had underlined the need for action in relation to road safety in Guisborough.

He added: “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.”