A teenager is in a serious condition in hospital after he was spotted walking along the side of the A19.

Concerned motorists rang police when they saw the boy walking along the busy A-road just after 6am on Wednesday (May 15) morning, near the south entrance to the Tyne Tunnel.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene and found a teenager matching his description on a cycle track nearby, off Salcombe Avenue in South Tyneside.

The 17-year-old had suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital by paramedics.

He remains there in a serious condition, and his next of in have been informed.

Police say his injuries are “unexplained” and have launched an investigation.

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Officers have appealed for any witnesses who might have saw a male in the Jarrow area in the early hours, and anyone with further information, to come forward.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police added: “They are particularly keen to hear from any passing motorists who were driving in the area at the time who might have dashcam footage, or those with CCTV or doorbell footage. It is understood the area is also popular with dog walkers.

 “Anyone with information or footage should get in touch using the ‘Report’ page of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101, quoting log number: NP-20240515-0129.”