A FAMILY have paid tribute to a man who died when his motorcycle was involved in a crash with a car on Christmas Day.

Michael Crooks of Billingham died when he was travelling along the town's Belasis Avenue.

The 32-year-old's family said: “Michael was a dearly loved son and was loved by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.”

“We are in shock at his loss and our lives will never be the same without him.”

The family have asked for privacy as they grieve together.

Police continue to appeal for information and witnesses to the collision which occurred at approximately 1pm hours on Friday and involved a Suzuki motorbike and a Hyundai.

The driver of the Hyundai, a woman aged in her fifties, was taken to hospital with a suspected broken wrist and minor injuries.

A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service said: "We received a call from a passerby at 13.04 to respond to a collision between a car and motorbike on Belasis Avenue.

"We dispatched two paramedic ambulances and air ambulance. One patient was taken to North Tees Hospital with facial injuries." 

Anyone with information or who has dash cam footage which may help should contact Sgt Steve Clyburn of the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on 101, reference SE20208654.