By Martin Walker
Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was killed in a road accident.
The biker, who died after colliding with two vehicles in Ferryhill, near Newton Aycliffe, on Sunday, was last night named as 61-year-old John Armstrong, of Westcott Terrace in Ferryhill.
Mr Armstrong, who leaves a wife, Joan, children Lee and Allison, and two grandchildren, was fatally injured after his black Honda Firestorm “deviated from its course” and hit a Renault Clio on the opposite side of Linden Road, at about 4.30pm.
His machine then crashed into a parked Citroen Belingo van. Mr Armstrong was airlifted to The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, but died shortly after arriving.
In a statement, his family said: “We have been left devastated by John’s tragic death.
“He was a keen biker of many years’ experience and was on his way home after a ride out with a friend when the accident occurred.
“He was a wonderful family man and we have been left shocked and numb by his loss.
“We now need time in peace so that we can come to terms with what has happened.”
The family said they were keen to thank the Great North Air Ambulance crew who treated Mr Armstrong at the scene.
Witnesses are asked to call the collision investigation unit on 0191 375 2159.