The child was struck by debris when the bike crashed in a town centre in County Durham, leading to a man being arrested, police said.

The rider suffered serious leg injuries in the collision in Chester-le-Street just after 10.30am on Tuesday.

Durham Police said an officer "briefly pursued" the motorbike - which they believe was stolen - on Front Street.

After the crash, the biker was arrested and taken to hospital for treatment.

The force said: "A 12-year-old boy also needed medical treatment after being struck by some debris.

"The road and footpaths were closed for several hours while emergency services attended the scene but they have since reopened."

The force has appealed for anyone who saw the incident to contact them.

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