Police reveal identity of man killed in County Durham crash

The police have revealed the identity of the man who died in a motorbike crash in Hetton-le-Hole.

He can now be named as Graeme Berry, aged 37, from Sunderland.

Emergency services responded to the incident which took place at 8.10pm on Friday, April 9.

It involved a silver Yamaha motorbike in the South Hetton road area of Easington Lane.

For reasons that have yet to be established the bike came off the road and collided with a pedestrian island.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the rider of the motorbike was sadly pronounced deceased a short time later.

Graeme’s next of kin have been informed and continue to be supported by specialist Northumbria Police officers.

As part of their ongoing enquiries into the circumstances surrounding Graeme’s death, officers have arrested the rider of a second vehicle, a man in his 40s, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has since been released on police bail.

Sergeant John Sanderson, of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “As ever, our thoughts remain with Graeme’s family who have had to come to terms with the tragic loss of their loved one.

“We will continue to conduct a thorough investigation and find answers for the questions they will undoubtedly have.”

Sgt Sanderson continued: “As part of that investigation, we’re looking for the public’s help to establish what happened in the moments leading up to the collision.

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“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have any CCTV or dashcam footage of South Hetton Road around 8pm that evening, or from anyone who was in the area at the time.

“Any information you can provide could help us – no matter how small.”

Anyone with information should use the ‘Report’ page on the Northumbria Police website or call 101, quoting reference number NP-20240419-1040.