A CYCLIST was airlifted to hospital on Wednesday after colliding with a train.

Emergency services, including the Great North Air Ambulance, attended an incident near Bowesfield signal box in Stockton.

A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 3.53pm to reports of a collision between a cyclist and a train on a railway line near to Bowesfield Lane in Stockton.

"We sent two Hazard Area Response Teams, an officer and two ambulances.

"Assistance was also requested from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

"One male patient was taken to James Cook University Hospital by road.

"He was being supported by a GNAAS doctor on board."

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police also confirmed a “cyclist has been taken to hospital for treatment.”

Passengers faced disruption across the region as emergency services cared for the man. There was disruption between Darlington and Northallerton, and Middlesbrough and Sunderland, and it lasted until about 6pm.