A motorcycle rider is fighting for their life in hospital after a serious crash in County Durham.

Emergency services were called to the B1198 Shincliffe Lane after a Dacia Sandero and Aprilia Tuono motorcycle collided at the junction near Shincliffe Village Nurseries.

Paramedics raced to the scene following the incident on Sunday, June 2, at 12.28pm and took one person to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle “with serious injuries.” Durham Police has now confirmed they are in a life-threatening condition. 

The driver of the Dacia Sandero - who sustained no injuries - was arrested while investigations to establish the circumstances of the crash continued. 

The North East Ambulance Service previously confirmed it sent a paramedic ambulance and doctor to the scene and took a second patient to the University Hospital of North Durham. 

The road was closed for several hours by police and re-opened around 5.30pm. 

Officers are now appealing for anyone who may have seen either of the vehicles prior to the incident to get in touch.

A full statement from Durham Police said: “Officers are appealing for information following a collision on the B1198 Shincliffe Lane yesterday (Sunday, June 2).

“The incident took place at around 12.30pm, and involved a Dacia Sandero and Aprilia Tuono motorcycle.The two vehicles are believed to have collided at the junction with Shincliffe Village Nurseries.

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“The rider of the motorcycle was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary hospital with life-threatening injuries.

“The driver of the Dacia Sandero sustained no injuries, and was arrested while further enquiries are carried out to establish the circumstances of the crash.

“Officers investigating the collision are appealing for anyone who may have seen either of the vehicles prior to the incident, or have dashcam footage of them, to contact Durham Police via 101, quoting incident number 208 of June 2.”