A TEENAGE motorcyclist died and his brother was leftseriously injured after their motorbike crashed with a car.

The dead boy was named this week as Karl Allison, 16, of Stanhope Gardens, Annfield Plain, near Stanley.

He died after a collision at around 10pm on Thursday last week at the main crossroads in Sacriston, near Durham.

His 17-year-old brother and pillion passenger was seriously injured and has had surgery for leg and head injuries. His condition was not said to be life threatening.

Karl was pronounced dead at the University Hospital of North Durham at 10.40pm on Thursday.

Their motorbike, which was heading south along Durham Road, crashed with a Ford Fiesta car, which was heading north.

A spokesman for Durham Police said the car appeared to turn in front of the motorcycle. The car driver, a 47-year-old woman from Langley Park, suffered shock, but was not injured.

The road was closed for two hours while accident investigators tried to establish what had happened. Karl's Reiju 50cc bike was taken away for examination.

Police are appealing for witnesses, who should contact the accident investigation unit on (0191) 375 2159.