POLICE were last night hunting a motorcyclist who sped off after an accident, leaving his seriously injured friend lying in the road.

The rider fled the scene of the crash in Milton Street, Darlington, at about 3pm on Thursday, after mounting the footpath and hitting a telegraph pole.

His pillion passenger, a 23-year-old local man, was thrown from the vehicle and suffered a fracture to his right leg.

The passenger was later taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and was recovering last night.

A police spokesman said the man had not revealed any information about his friend's identity or the bike. However, part of the registration was said to be DUB.

He added: "Why any rider should decide to leave his injured friend and ride off - even with his friend's encouragement - is clearly open to speculation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.