A man has died and another is in a critical condition after a motorbike crashed following a police pursuit.
Lee Stevenson, 27, was a pillion passenger on the motorbike that crashed in Peterlee, County Durham, at about 2.30am on Saturday.
Durham constabulary said the crash happened following a brief pursuit after the motorbike failed to stop.
On Sunday, Stevenson’s family paid tribute to a man they said was loved by everyone who knew him.
Stevenson’s mother, Naomi, said: “Today 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.”
Durham police also released a tribute from Stevenson’s aunt Wendy. He lived for his two children, Mason and Ava, she said.
“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,” she said. “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.”
Police said Stevenson died at the scene of the crash despite the best efforts of the emergency services.
The motorbike driver was seriously injured and taken to James Cook University hospital in Middlesbrough where he remains in a critical condition.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has been informed.
