POLICE accident investigators are hoping to trace a motorcyclist who may have been with another biker just minutes before he was involved in a fatal accident.

A Suzuki 750cc bike failed to negotiate a lefthand bend as it headed along the A19 northbound exit slip road at Easington, at about 5.45pm on Sunday, August 24.

The machine crashed into a lamppost and the rider, 24-year-old Andrew Reed, died from multiple injuries.

Mr Reed, who lived with his parents in Mickle Hill Road, Blackhall Rocks, worked at the Nissan car factory, Washington.

Inquiries by specialists from Durham Police's accident investigation unit have led them to believe a second motorcycle may have been travelling alongside Mr Reedin the area of Hall Walks, Easington, shortly before the accident happened.

Both bikes are thought to have been heading east along Hall Walks for a few minutes before both went onto the A19.

Shortly after, Mr Reed went along the slip road and the accident occurred. The Suzuki that he was riding was blue and white and Mr Reed wore a silver helmet.

Anyone who can remember seeing Mr Reed, his bike or the other motorcycle in the Easington area on that afternoon is asked to contact the police accident unit on 0191-375 2159.