Family tributes to 'much-loved' teenagers, aged 18 and 13, who died in County Durham motorcycle crash

Tributes have been paid to two "much-loved" teenagers who died in a motorcycle crash in County Durham.

The families of 18-year-old Wayne Hodgson and 13-year-old Bobby Grimes paid tributes to the pair, who died following a collision at Rushyford shortly before noon on Friday (July 5). The teenagers, who were from Newton Aycliffe, were travelling on the same motorcycle which was involved in a collision with a car on Middridge Road, near to the Rushyford roundabout.

Tributes, balloons and flowers have been tied to trees and lampposts at the site. Heartfelt, handwritten notes have been left at the scene, and now the families of both boys have spoken out.

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Wayne was described as a loving son, brother, nephew and uncle. His family released a statement on Monday, which read: "Wayne, you have left a massive hole in our hearts and lives.

"You are going to be missed for forever and a day. We love you always, our baby Wayne".

Wayne's family added that they would like to thank all of the members of the public and those from the emergency services who had tried to help at the scene.

The family of Bobby Grimes also released a tribute, which read: "Bobby was a greatly-loved son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson.

"He was a cheeky boy who loved to say ‘wise man’. He will never be forgotten and missed forever".

Bobby's family added that they wished to thank the member of the public who gave Bobby first aid at the scene. They said: "He is a hero in our eyes".

A police investigation has established that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the crash, but are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward. Investigators say they would particularly like to hear from anyone who saw or has dashcam footage of the motorcycle being driven between Ferryhill and Middridge in the minutes before the collision.

Durham Constabulary has also issued an appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam footage of what happened to come forward. They are asked to contact Durham Constabulary Serious Collision Investigation Unit via sciu@durham.police.uk or on 101, quoting incident number 144 of July 5.