THE tightly-knit community of Prudhoe has been shaken by the deaths of two men in a devastating road crash at the weekend.

A motorcyclist and the driver of a silver Honda died after the collision on Saturday, while another man remains in hospital with serious injuries.

The Prudhoe bypass section of the A695 was closed for more than six hours after the crash, which happened just before 12pm on the stretch of the road between the junction with the B6395 and the roundabout.

Emergency services rushed to the area, but Brian Wilson (61) from Crawcrook, who was riding the motorcycle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Albert Mitchinson (90) from Ryton, who had been driving the car, was flown by air ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, but he later died there as a result of his injuries.

The man who was his front seat passenger is still in hospital being treated for serious injuries. Floral tributes have been left at the scene with one message, left by Mr Wilson’s wife, reading: “When I married you it was for life and I will love you forever.”

Prudhoe County Councillor Gordon Stewart said that while the two men were not from Prudhoe, the news had been strongly felt in the town.

“It was very shocking and I know everyone has been expressing how sad it is – absolutely horrible news for their families,” he said.

However, while some locals had taken to social media to air their concerns about the road, Coun. Stewart was keen to await the results of the police investigation.

“There have been collisions on the road in the past but each one has been dealt with separately and I am not aware of any common denominator,” he said.

“As a local councillor I am keeping in touch with police and will be looking at the results of why this has happened.”

Police are still appealing for witnesses to contact them on 101 quoting log 473 06/10/18.