Pictures of a damaged police car after it collided with a cyclist have been shared online - sparking a debate between bikes on the road and driving safety. 

An image that showed the side of a police car apparently bent in was shared by Durham Roads Policing Team on Facebook and Twitter on Thursday (February 23) with the caption "Cyclists!! Please wear more hi-vis clothing! As you can see, that prevents all collisions."

While the image was impactful and prompted several responses siding with the police, others were quick to point out that the police car was also equally responsible. 

Read more: Sunderland pub glass attacker considered 'dangerous' offender

One social media user defended the police by saying: "Cyclists need to learn the rules of the road at times, too many times I've almost collided with them because they've pulled out of a junction."

However, that didn't stop people from criticising the police, with one person saying: "Two vehicles were involved - surely it's also cars that need to watch out for cyclists too."

Since receiving several negative comments, the police deleted their post.

Durham Police have been contacted for a comment.