POLICE have warned about the dangers of illegal motorbike riding following the death of a 17-year-old who was thrown from a motor scooter on Sunday.

Scott Spayne was not wearing a helmet when he was thrown from the scooter as he rode across bumpy waste ground adjacent to Orde Wingate Way, in Stockton.

The teenager, from the Wrensfield area of Stockton, died of head injuries at the scene.

Sergeant Mick Robson, of Cleveland Police, said: "An investigation is ongoing. It has so far been established that this gentleman was riding a motorbike on waste ground by himself.

"He fell and struck his head and, as a result of his injuries, died at the scene.

"As well as being a legal requirement, riding without a helmet is highly dangerous, as this tragedy graphically demonstrates.

"Headgear is there to provide protection, and without it, riding is unsafe."

Illegal motorbike riding has been an increasing problem across the region for some years.

In 1997, Darlington MP Alan Milburn drove a Warrior tank from Catterick over five confiscated bikes to launch a campaign to stamp out the problem.

Last year, Darlington Borough Council planned to introduce a motorcycle fitted with a security camera in a bid to track young bikers riding recklessly over the town's parks and green spaces.

The move came after community wardens were unable to catch up with offenders.

Guisborough Woods, in Cleveland, has also experienced problems with motorcyclists using forest walkways as racetracks. Last summer, the problem was so bad that rangers feared visitors risked injury.

Cleveland Police are appealing for witnesses to Sunday's tragedy, which happened at 12.30pm, to come forward.

Witnesses are asked to ring Cleveland Police on (01642) 301552.