Suspected hit-and-run in South Shields leaves teenager injured

Officers investigating a suspected hit and run in South Shields have issued an appeal for witnesses.

Shortly after 12.30pm yesterday (Wednesday) officers received a report an off-road motorbike had been in collision with a Peugeot 206 on Benton Road.

It was reported that the driver had left the scene without stopping.

Emergency services attended and the 16-year-old rider of the motorbike was taken to hospital suffering from a serious leg injury.

An investigation was launched into the incident and police are now urging any witnesses to come forward.

Sergeant Craig Bartle, of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols department, said:

“This was a serious incident which could have had fatal consequences, but thankfully the rider managed to escape with a serious leg injury.

“The vehicle involved did not stop and had left the scene before we arrived. This vehicle has since been located and recovered by Police but we are now carrying out a range of enquiries to identify the driver and would ask that person – or anybody who knows them – to come forward.

“This happened on a busy street so we believe somebody will have seen what happened. A number of drivers were in the area at the time so we would also ask you to check any dashcam footage and let us know if you see any cars displaying tell-tale damage.

"We are especially keen to trace the driver of a black car that was seen on Benton Road at the time of the collision and may hold key information.

“We will continue to use every tactic at our disposal in order to protect all our road users and will take swift and robust action against anybody who endangers the lives of others.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the police website or by calling 101 quoting log 450 140421.

Alternatively, you can pass on information to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.