POLICE are appealing for information after a suspected hit-and-run incident in which a motorcyclist was left seriously injured.

A report was received of the collision between a car and a motorcycle in the Leam Lane area of Gateshead, at 2.30pm today.

Emergency services attended the scene, on Wealcroft, near the junction with Staneway, and the 56-year-old stricken motorcyclist was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

But the Northumbria force said those injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The black Vauxhall Astra involved in the collision did not remain at the scene but was subsequently found abandoned a short distance away.

Its male driver reportedly fled on foot and inquiries to identify and locate him are said to be ongoing.

The road remained closed into the evening to allow officers to carry out inquiries at the scene.

Any witnesses to the collision, or with information about the car and its driver, is asked to contact police on the 101 number, quoting log 652 of 12/08/20.