POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 60-year-old motorcyclist died following a crash in the district. 

Shortly after 4pm on Monday, police received a report of a collision involving a silver/grey Audi A4 estate car and a Honda CBR 650 motorbike near Buteland Farm, Bellingham.

Emergency services attended and the motrocyclist, from Gateshead, was air lifted to hospital but died. The driver of the vehicle was shocked but uninjured.

Inquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing but police are now appealing for any witnesses to get in touch.

Sgt Matt Sykes, of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department, said: “This collision has devastatingly resulted in the death of a man.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this incredibly difficult time and they will continue to be supported by our specialist officers.

“This is clearly a tragic time for them and I would ask that their privacy be respected.

"Officers are also supporting the driver of the Audi at this time too."

He added: “An investigation has been launched and we are committed to establishing the circumstances surrounding this incident.

“I am now appealing to any road users who were travelling in the area around that time to come forward with any information or dashcam footage.

“It may prove crucial in allowing us to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 703 140920 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.