A COMMUNITY has been shaken by the death of a teenager after his motorbike crashed into a tree.

Kevin Wright, 18, of Kitchen Avenue, Bishop Auckland, was riding the trial bike with another teenager on Bishop Auckland Technical College playing fields when the accident happened, at 7.15pm on Thursday.

He lost control and hit a tree, suffering critical injuries.

Mr Wright, who is understood not to have been wearing a helmet, was taken to the intensive care unit of Darlington Memorial Hospital, with serious internal injuries, a fractured skull and fractured pelvis. He died in hospital yesterday morning.

Residents of Woodhouse Close estate, where Mr Wright lived with his mother, were shocked by the news of his death. Many had known him since he was a child.

Chairman of Woodhouse Close Residents' Action Group Carl Bennett described the incident as tragic and passed on his sympathies to Mr Wright's parents.

Friends of the young man gathered outside his house, where his mother was being comforted by relatives.

Principal of Bishop Auckland College Joanna Tait said although he had not been a student at the college, they were still devastated.

She said: "We do have worries about youngsters using the grounds for off-road bikes, it's not something we encourage at all."

Many people whose homes back on to the playing fields say youngsters regularly ride trail bikes on the open space.

Frank Thompson, of Rush Park, said: "They usually come out in the fine weather, but you wouldn't have thought an accident like this would happen there."

Sergeant Bob Brown, of the Durham Police motorbike section, said riding on cycleways or fields seemed to be becoming an increasing popular pastime.

"Make sure you buy something roadworthy and from a reputable dealer," he said. "A lot of lads are riding with trainers and tracksuits, so make sure you have the right clothing."

Police are appealing for witnesses to call them on 0191-375 2159.