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A teenager has died following a collision involving an electric motorcycle and a van.
The incident occurred in the Meadow Well area of North Shields, on Waterville Road at about 5.25pm yesterday (Wednesday, August 19).
The rider, 18-year-old McKenzie Ratcliffe from North Shields, was pronounced dead a short time later, despite the efforts of paramedics.
Sergeant Craig Bartle of Northumbria Police's roads policing unit said: "Our thoughts are firmly with McKenzie’s family and friends and we will offer them all of the support we can at this devastating time.
"We are carrying out a full investigation into the circumstances of the collision and have already undertaken several enquiries."
Police said that for reasons yet to be established, the electric motorcycle collided head-on with a green Mercedes Sprinter van.
The driver of the van, a man in his 60s, remained at the scene and is assisting officers with their enquiries.
Sgt Bartle said: "I would ask anyone with information which could assist us to get in touch."
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"We are particularly keen to hear from those with dash cam footage of the moments leading up to the collision between the bike and the van."
Anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to contact Northumbria Police via direct message on social media, the live chat function or the report form on the force’s website.
Those unable to make contact online can call 101 and quote reference number NP-20260819-0748.