A biker suffered serious injuries after his machine hit a crash barrier and then slid under a lorry.

The accident happened at 11.30am in Jarrow Road, Jarrow, South Tyneside.

A fire brigade spokesman said the biker appeared to have lost control and careered into the barrier before sliding under the skip wagon.

Firefighters rolled back the vehicle to allow paramedics to treat the rider. He was taken to South Tyneside Hospital with suspected spinal injuries and severe abrasions.