Two men suffered serious injuries after a crash between an off-road motorcycle and a car.
The collision, involving a Vauxhall Astra and the off-road bike, took place at the junction of Whiteleas Way and Hogarth Road, in South Shields, at around 11.40am on Saturday.
Emergency services arrived in the area and found two men – a rider and pillion passenger - with serious but non-life threatening injuries. They were taken to hospital.
Northumbria Police say the motorcycle was removed from the scene of the crash before officers arrived and they are now appealing for information about what happened.
A spokesperson said: "An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision and police are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
"Officers are particularly interested in any information regarding the whereabouts of the motorcycle in the immediate aftermath of the collision.
"It is understood that unknown individuals removed the bike and took it away from the scene of the collision before police arrived.
"Anybody who was travelling in the area who may have dashcam footage or personal CCTV systems is also asked to get in touch."
Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101 quoting log 358 060321.
