A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a crash involving a pedestrian who was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said officers received a report of a collision involving a motorbike and a pedestrian on Portobello Road, Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, shortly after after 4.40pm on Thursday.

Officers and emergency services attended the scene but the rider of the motorbike, a 22-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family are currently being supported by specialist officers.

The pedestrian, a 41-year-old, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

An investigation was launched and officers are now appealing to the public for information.

Sergeant Craig Bartle of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols department said: “This is a tragic incident which has resulted in a young man losing his life. Our specialist officers are currently offering his family support and we ask their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

“Our investigation is still at an early stage and we have already carried out a number of enquiries but would ask anyone who was in the area at that time to contact us if they can offer any information that would assist.

"We would especially like to hear from any drivers that were travelling on Portobello Road at that time and may have dashcam footage, so that we can establish the circumstances of the collision."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 or using the Tell us Something page on our website, quoting log 811 15/4/21.