A MOTORCYCLICST who died in a crash earlier this week has been identified by police.

Norman Findlay, 55, of Crook, was riding his Suzuki motorcycle on the A689 near the town shortly after 5.30pm on Tuesday when it left the road and hit two road signs.

The engineer had been travelling home from his work at a firm based on Tyneside.

In a tribute from his family, they said: “Norman was a loving father to Geoff, Scott, Adam and Amy.

“Former husband of 27 years to Jan, he was also the loving partner of Pauline and a father figure to her daughter and son, Sam and Ross.

“His loss is devastating to all who knew him, and life without Norman will never be the same again.”

An inquest into Mr Findlay’s death is expected to open early next week.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the motorcycle travelling shortly before it occurred should contact the police collision investigators direct on 0191-3752159, or Durham Constabulary on 101.