A 12-year-old boy was injured by debris when a suspected stolen motorbike crashed in a town centre leading to a man being arrested, police have revealed. 

The rider suffered serious leg injuries in the collision in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, just after 10.30am today (Tuesday, March 2).

Durham Police said the motorbike, which was believed to have been stolen, “was briefly pursued” by a police officer also on a motorbike on Front Street in the town centre.

The biker was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and was arrested before he was treated.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "A suspected stolen motorcycle was briefly pursued by an officer from Durham Constabulary, also on a motorcycle, on Front Street, just after 10.30am.

"The motorcyclist sustained serious leg injuries, and was taken to the RVI, in Newcastle, for treatment.

"He has been arrested in connection with the incident but has since been released while he receives treatment.

"A 12-year-old boy also needed medical treatment after being struck by some debris.

"The road and footpaths were closed for several hours while emergency services attended the scene but they have since reopened.

"An investigation is underway."

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The Northern Echo:

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to email sciu@durham.police.uk, quoting incident reference 109 of April 2.

The force said: “A 12-year-old boy also needed medical treatment after being struck by some debris.

“The road and footpaths were closed for several hours while emergency services attended the scene but they have since reopened.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to email sciu@durham.police.uk