A MOTORCYCLIST and his passenger were taken to hospital and detained overnight following a head-on collision.

The accident happened at about 7.45pm on Tuesday as a Ford Sierra and a Triumph motorcycle travelled in opposite directions along the Greenway, at Thorntree, Middlesbrough.

They collided at the junction with Roworth Road, when the Sierra attempted to turn right.

Fearing that casualties may be trapped, police and fire crews were called to the scene.

The road was closed while fire crews made the scene safe and awaited the arrival of the police accident investigation unit.

Police said later they believed the motorcycle was stolen.

A 16-year-old youth, from Marton, near Middlesbrough, was taken to the town's general hospital with a broken leg, along with a 20-year-old man, who suffered a head injury.

Both were expected to be questioned by police on release from hospital last night