Motorcyclist in his 70s dies in crash with van

A motorcyclist has died in a crash with a van on a major route across the River Tyne.

The man, aged in his 70s, was riding a white Ducati Multistrada when it collided with a black Ford Transit van on the southbound A19 near North Shields at about 10:00 GMT on Wednesday.

He died at the scene close to the exit for the Tyne Tunnel Industrial Estate.

Police said his family have been informed.

The driver of the van remained at the scene to assist officers who have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.