A MOTORCYCLIST who died following a collision with a car was today named as Gary John Cobb, a 40-year-old Gateshead man.

He was confirmed dead at Gateshead's Queen Elizabeth Hospital an hour after being admitted following the accident on the A184 Felling Bypass, in the town, at 6.23am yesterday.

Mr Cobb's motorycle was in collision with a red Nissan Micra near Gateshead International Stadium.

Two of three men arrested following the incident have since been released by police investigating the cause of the accident.

But a 31-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving was said to be continuing to help police inquiries today.

It led to commuter chaos in the morning rush hour on Monday as the bypass was closed to traffic in the vicinity of the accident.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Northumbria Police's motor patrols unit, on 03456-043043, extension 64540, or 0191-221-9540, or the Crimestoppers' freephone line, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.