Boy who died in ‘tragic’ South Shields bus incident has been named

The name of a boy who tragically died when hit by a bus in South Shields has been named.

At around 3.30pm on Tuesday, police were contacted by members of the public, who reported that a boy had been in collision with a bus, while riding his bicycle on Lizard Lane, near Whitburn.

Officers and emergency services attended, but sadly the 11-year-old died at the scene.

Northumbria Police have now named him as Mason French of Whitburn.

According to the force, Mason’s family are currently being supported by specialist officers and have requested privacy at this difficult time.

Inspector Phil Patterson, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are continuing to support Mason’s family as they try and process what has happened.

“Our thoughts are with Mason’s loved ones, as well as the local community, who are deeply saddened by this tragic incident.

“We are working hard to establish exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the collision and have already spoken with the bus driver, who remained the scene, as well as a number of witnesses who were in the area at the time.

“As ever, if you think you can assist us, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police by calling 101 or using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on our website, quoting log NP-20221025-0586.