Driver urged to 'do right thing' after bike crash

The motorbike rider was found lying on the B1426 Sunderland Road in Gateshead

A driver who left the scene after a crash injured a motorcyclist has been urged to "do the right thing and come forward" by police.

The incident occurred shortly before 14:55 GMT on Monday, with emergency services being called to reports of an injured person lying on the B1426 Sunderland Road in Gateshead, near the junction with Stoneygate Lane.

The man, who is in his 20s, was riding a black motorbike when it was struck by a car, believed to be a SEAT Cupra, Northumbria Police said.

He was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remains in a critical but stable condition.

The driver of the vehicle then left the scene before officers arrived, a force spokesman said.

An investigation was immediately launched by Northumbria Police's Roads Policing Unit.

Sgt Ben Rutherford said inquiries were under way to trace the driver, adding: "We'd urge the person responsible to do the right thing and come forward as soon as possible."

He also appealed for any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to contact the force.