A North East boy has died after being hit by a bus while riding his bike, it has tragically been confirmed. 

At around 3.30pm on Tuesday, Lizard Lane in Whitburn was closed to traffic after reports of an incident involving a cyclist.

The road was shut for several hours in both directions as the emergency services including paramedics dealt with the incident.

Read more: Cyclist taken to hospital after being hit by a bus in North-East village

At the time, the North East Ambulance Service confirmed the cyclist had been taken to hospital.

But in a tragic update on Wednesday, police confirmed an 11-year-old involved in the incident had died at the scene, despite the best efforts of paramedics.

Although formal identification is yet to take place, the boy's family is being supported by specialist officers.

An investigation has since been launched by Northumbria Police and they are now appealing to anyone who might have dashcam footage.

Inspector Phil Patterson, of 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.”

Anyone with information should contact police by calling 101 or using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on our website, quoting log NP-20221025-0586.

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