Police have released an image of a motorcycle rider they want to trace after a four-year-old boy was left seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident.

The boy remains in hospital and his family have urged people to come forward with information following the incident in South Shields.

Shortly before 3.30pm on Saturday, Northumbria Police received a report that a motorcycle had collided with a mother and child as they crossed the road outside of the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park.

The motorcycle – described as a petrol-powered motorbike intended for road use but not displaying a registration plate – fled the scene riding off towards the Westoe Road area of South Shields.

Emergency services attended, and the child was found to have sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he remains.

The mum, aged in her 30s, sustained minor injuries and was also taken to hospital for treatment.

Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit have carried out a number of enquiries, including a recent review of CCTV footage and today released an image of a motorcyclist they want to speak in connection with the incident.

Speaking following the incident, the family said: “We had been enjoying a lovely summer’s day out at the seafront.

“After enjoying our fish and chips, we began to cross the road towards South Marine Park to buy an ice cream.

“As we crossed the road towards the pedestrian island, the rider collided with us and then failed to stop.

“We are urging anyone who saw anything or knows who this person is – including the rider himself – to come forward.”

Anyone who can assist officers, including those with CCTV or dashcam footage, should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and ‘report’ forms on the Force’s website.

Those who are unable to make contact in these ways can call 101.