Flowers have been left for a dad-of-two who died following a motorbike crash.
Lee Stevenson was riding pillion on a motorbike which crashed in Peterlee, County Durham, during the early hours of Saturday morning. Despite receiving emergency care, the 27-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver remains critically ill in hospital following the collision, which occurred just after 2.30am on Passfield Way. Durham Constabulary said the motorbike crashed after being pursued by officers.
Read next: Death notices and funeral announcements in The Chronicle Newcastle from March 17 to March 23
Around 10 floral tributes have now been left for Lee on a roundabout on Passfield Way. A number of them have been attached to road signs and lampposts.
They have been left there alongside heartfelt notes and two large silver balloons, one in the shape of the number two and one in the shape of a number seven.
One note says: "Lee my thoughts are with your family and children". Another reads (sic): "Fly high and party hard up there. Took far too soon".
In an emotional tribute, released earlier today, Lee's mum Naomi said he would be "forever in our hearts".
She said: "I lost my son Lee, he was only 27. My daughter has lost her brother, and he has left behind two beautiful children.
"Lee was hardworking, funny, and lived life to the max. He thought he was invincible, and I wish he had been. He was loved by everyone who knew him and will be missed forever."
Lee's aunt Wendy added: "Lee was a young lad with his whole life ahead of him. He lived for his children Mason and Ava. Lee worked so hard, he was always winding someone up, but he would also do anything for anyone.
"Lee was on the path of sorting his life out and he was the best nephew I could have asked for. Lee was a gentleman, a kind-hearted fella and was always full of love and laughs.
"He will always be remembered as a true mate and will be missed by all his family and friends."
A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: "Two men on a motorbike crashed in Passfield Way, just after 2.30am, following a brief pursuit by officers after it failed to stop.
"Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the pillion passenger sadly died at the scene. Durham Constabulary would like to express our condolences to his family and friends."
Forces are required by law to refer incidents to the police watchdog for assessment "if someone had direct or indirect contact with the police when, or shortly before, they were seriously injured or died".
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it has been informed about the crash.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Collision Investigation Team at Durham Constabulary on 01325 742702 or email catherine.iley@durham.police.uk with contact details.
Read next:
