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A serious collision on the A697 near Whittingham has left a man in his 50s fighting for his life. The incident, which occurred just after 5pm on Thursday, involved a red Honda quad bike and a white Volkswagen car.

Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of the collision. The rider of the quad bike sustained severe injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition. His family has been informed of the situation.

The driver of the Volkswagen, a woman in her 30s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and is currently in police custody.

Police Appeal for Information

Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing team is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Officers are particularly interested in hearing from motorists who were in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident. They are also appealing for any dashcam or CCTV footage that could provide crucial details about the moments leading up to the collision.

How to Help

If you were driving on the A697 near Whittingham on Thursday evening or have footage that could assist the investigation, please contact Northumbria Police.

You can reach the force by sending a private message on their social media channels or through the live chat function on the Northumbria Police website. Alternatively, you can call 101 and quote reference number NP-20241114-0757.

Police are committed to piecing together the events of this tragic incident to ensure a full and thorough investigation.

Harry L.
3 hours ago
Disha G.
11 hours ago
Helpful and productive lessons by Lewis that helped me get through with a first time pass!
Sara V.
1 day ago
I couldn’t recommend Simon at Shift more. As an older learner who had previous terrible experiences with learning/ driving, Simon immediately put me completely at ease. Not only is he an excellent teacher, he is also incredibly patient and a such a positive influence. I always felt like he was my biggest cheerleader, and he was so helpful with my (very high) driving anxiety as well. Despite his patience and understanding nature, he is also very precise. I passed second time, and would always recommend him!
Lexie N.
1 day ago
I had such a great experience learning to drive with Shift. My instructor was Lewis who was always patient and supportive throughout my lessons. He really helped me build my confidence in driving. He explained things clearly, was always encouraging and never made me feel uncomfortable when I made mistakes or had any questions. I’m really grateful for all the time and effort he put into helping me become a confident driver and pass my test. Thank you, Lewis!
Danielle L.
1 day ago
Absolutely love my driving instructor Simon from Shift. He is so professional. I learn slightly differently to most people and he would spend a lot of time finding new ways to teach me to help me understand. He is so patient and understanding and will do everything he can to help you. I'm so buzzing I've passed but gutted that I won't be doing anymore lessons with him. Would recommend him every time.
Khant Chan M.
7 days ago
I had a great experience with Shift Driving School, especially with my two instructors, Phil and Alex. Both were incredibly patient, friendly and knowledgeable. They always gave me honest feedback on the spot, explaining what I was doing well, what needed improvement and why. They taught me a lot about proper road positioning, what to look out for and what to do and avoid in different driving situations.

I originally booked 10 hours of lessons but managed to pass my driving test first time after just 8 hours! Their guidance, encouragement and patience really helped me become a more confident and safer driver.

A massive thank you to Phil and Alex! I would highly recommend them to anyone learning to drive!
Jamb0_20o7 _.
1 week ago
Mady S.
1 month ago
I highly recommend them. I had a driving lesson and a mock test, and both were professional and really helpful. The clear feedback improved my confidence, and I passed my test today! Thank you so much for all your help and support⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Caitlin Y.
1 month ago
I would highly recommend my driving instructor Simon Houghton! He taught me in ways that were completely different to my previous instructors, which really helped me build my confidence and improve my driving. He has a great sense of humour, which made every lesson enjoyable and relaxed. Most importantly, his teaching and support helped me pass my driving test! Couldn’t thank him enough. 🚗🎉
Vicki M.
1 month ago
From back in march when I phoned shift to start to learn to drive they were amazing was assigned a tutor quickly and have to say Lewis is amazing at his job put me at ease from the get go ! Was always calm and knowledgeable and adapted well to me being an older learner being late 40s and 6 months later I passed my test can’t thank Lewis enough for helping me get there quicker then I ever thought I would be can’t recommend them enough
Thanks shift team your the best out there