The collision between a silver Ford Focus and a Honda Fireblade motorbike happened on the A178 Tees Road, near the junction of the Tofts Farm Industrial Estate, Seaton Carew, on Friday morning.

A man and a woman, who were among four people travelling in the car, were airlifted to Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital after being cut free from the wreckage.

The 34-year-old woman is in a critical but stable condition after suffering severe head injuries and a 27-year-old man is in a stable condition after suffering a broken leg and pelvis.

Investigating officers say the identity of the motorcyclist will not be released until a post mortem examination has taken place tomorrow.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "A number of vehicles were seen in the area at the time of the incident.

"We are requesting any person to come forward who might have some information, however trivial, and contact the police at the road traffic department."

Anyone with any information is urged to call (01642) 301552.