Police motorcycle safety warning

Durham Police are urging bikers and motorists to approach junctions carefully, following a spate of accidents involving motorcycles.

The eight members of the force's motorcycle section are set to renew their summer patrols.

They will ride around the region with their own "Wait a second" safety message, and reinforcing the Department of Transport "Think!" safety campaign.

Last year seven riders lost their lives in County Durham and Darlington.

Sgt Bob Brown, head of Durham Police motorcycle section, said: "It only takes a second to make the wrong judgment, which can sometimes be a fatal one.

"As bikers ourselves we want people to enjoy the freedom of being on two wheels without putting themselves or anyone else at risk.

"But we are also urging drivers of cars, vans and lorries to stop and think when approaching a junction. They need to ask themselves if they have made absolutely sure they know what other traffic is on the road."