An 11-year-boy has died after he was hit by a bus while riding his bike, police have confirmed.
He was killed just after 3.30pm on Tuesday, October 25 in South Shields, Tyneside.
The youngster was struck while riding on Lizard Lane, in Whitburn, near Sunderland, which was subsequently closed for several hours.
A formal identification is yet to take place, but the child's family are being supported by specialist officers following the tragedy.
An investigation has now been launched as officers spoke with the bus driver, who remained at the scene.
Police said inquiries into the incident were ongoing as they appealed for anyone with information or dashcam footage to get in touch.
Phil Patterson, Inspector at Northumbria Police, said: "This collision has had devastating consequences for all involved, and our thoughts are with the boy's family at this incredibly difficult time.
"We are working hard to establish exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the collision and have spoken with a number of witnesses already to help us build up that picture.
"We are now asking for anyone else who saw what happened or who may have dashcam from the area to get in touch and assist us."
Roads have now re-opened after the force was called out yesterday.
A spokesperson said on Tuesday: “Officers are currently in attendance at the scene of a serious collision in South Tyneside.
“Shortly after 3.30pm today police received a report a cyclist had been riding on Lizard Lane, when he was struck by a bus.
“Officers and emergency services remain in the area, and the road has been closed while enquiries are carried out.”
A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service confirmed their crews were also in attendance.
They added: "We got a call at approximately 3.30pm this afternoon following reports of a collision between a bus and a pedestrian on Lizard Lane.
"We sent two paramedic ambulances, a hazard area response team and a clinical team leader."
