POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a scooter rider was forced off his bike by a careless driver.

The 19-year-old was riding his 125cc scooter through a traffic chicane on Salters Lane South in Darlington at about 6.30pm on January 18 when he saw a white Peugeot heading towards him.

The rider had right of way but the Peugeot carried on through the chicane, causing the teenager to swerve and fall off his machine.

He suffered cuts and bruises but was not seriously injured.

Police say the Peugeot was apparently speeding at the time and the driver did not stop after causing the scooter to crash.

Officers are particularly keen to speak to a motorist who was driving behind the scooter at the time and stopped to help the rider after he fell off.

Anyone with any information that could help police with their investigation should contact 101.