Elderly South Tyneside biker killed in crash

Police are trying to trace the family of a South Tyneside pensioner who died in a motorcycle accident.
The spot in Birk Brow where Rod Byers crashed his motorcycle.The spot in Birk Brow where Rod Byers crashed his motorcycle.
The spot in Birk Brow where Rod Byers crashed his motorcycle.

Rod Byers, 70, from Jarrow, died on Sunday afternoon when his motorbike collided with a barrier on the A171 at Birk Brow, near Guisborourgh.

He was believed to be with a group of other riders, travelling from Whitby.

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After going around a bend at 4.45pm, his blue and silver Suzuki hit the barrier and he suffered serious head injuries.

No other vehicles were involved and an air ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were called to the scene.

Mr Byers, who lived in Salcombe Avenue, died of his injuries in James Cook University Hospital.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "Unfortunately, we have been unable to trace any next of kin."

The Teesside Coroner’s Office is appealing for any relatives of the elderly man to contact them on 01642 729350.