Tributes have been paid to a young man who died in a motorcycle crash in County Durham earlier this week.

Rhys Smailes tragically died following a collision on the A690, Helmington Row, Crook, just before 1am on Tuesday (August 13).

Durham Police said the 21-year-old was travelling on a motorcycle when it "left the road and is believed to have collided with a road sign".

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "Paramedics attended and carried out CPR but sadly Rhys was pronounced dead a short time after.

"His family have asked to be left alone so that they can grieve their loss in peace.

"Officers are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or with dashcam footage of the incident.

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"Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious collision investigation unit on 01325 742745 quoting incident number 14 of August 13."