BREAKING NEWS First picture of grandmother, 86, killed by electric bike on zebra crossing after teenager is quizzed by police
Amid mounting concern at the scourge of illegal high-performance e-bikes, Gloria Stephenson's devastated family paid tribute to her as an 'amazing mam'.
The 86-year-old was one of two pensioners who died after being hit by an electric motorbike on the same day, just 100 miles apart.
Less than four hours later Shaat Bibi, 72, was struck as she crossed the road near her home in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Mrs Bibi later died in hospital from her injuries with her grieving family calling for a crackdown on e-motorbikes.
After the tragedy in Sunderland on May 16, neighbours revealed Mrs Stephenson was walking her daughter's rescue dog - and said she was so fit and healthy that they had expected her to live to 100.
An 18-year-old was later arrested later on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after allegedly fleeing the scene.
The double tragedy comes as police seizures of illegally-modified electric bikes have soared amid increasing concerns they are a 'death trap' for pedestrians and riders.
Today Northumbria Police said it understood that Mrs Stephenson was using 'a zebra crossing when she was struck by a black Sur-Ron electric motorcycle, travelling in a southbound direction'.
They said the 18-year-old rider initially drove away from the scene on Burdon Road near to the junction with Lidcombe Close.
The teenager has been released on police bail pending further inquiries as officers renewed their appeal for witnesses to come forward.
Paying tribute today, relatives of Mrs Stephenson, who lived in the Silksworth, Sunderland, said she was an 'amazing mam'.
'We are all devastated at the loss of our vibrant, active, beautiful, and intelligent mam, grandma, mother-in-law and great grandma,' they added.
'The press described her as an "elderly lady" - however, we want to make absolutely clear that our mam was full of life.
'She was active, fit, healthy, and had years left to give her love and share her energy and zest for life with everyone who knew her.
'The family want to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to everyone who supported mam, and her daughter and grandson at the scene.'
Locals said she was walking her daughter's rescue terrier at the time.
The dog suffered minor injuries.
It is believed the motorbike weaved in between stationary cars at the crossing before colliding with her.
Locals who knew her said she was super fit for her age and was regularly out walking.
Barry Slee, 49, a neighbour, said: 'Gloria was going over the crossing as a pedestrian but was knocked over and killed.
'She hadn't done anything wrong. The bike has apparently gone through some cars who had stopped to let her through.
'Gloria was 86 but was as fit as a lop. She would walk with her dog every day.
'You would never have believed she was 86.
'She was tremendous.
'She had a huge heart and was loved by everyone.
'She was that fit that you would have thought she would have easily reached 100.
'She has lived in the area for a long time and knew everyone around here.
'This should be murder. She was crossing the road when she was hit.'
Allison Burnett, 58, said: 'She was amazing.
'She was the best friend to everyone and was always happy.
'She lives life to the fullest for an 86-year-old. The shock is unbelievable.
'We still can't take in that she's not with us anymore.'
Today Sergeant Russell Surrey, of Northumbria Police, said: 'Our thoughts remain with all of Gloria's family and loved ones as they try to process what has happened.
'We will support them in any way that we can, as we look to get them the answers they deserve.
'I'd like to thank those who have been in touch to share information and footage with us so far - and would urge any further witnesses to contact us.'
West Yorkshire Police previously said a 17-year-old arrested in relation to Mrs Bibi's death was later released on bail.
Last year a Sky News investigation found that police across the UK confiscated 937 e-bikes in the year to August, up from 511 recorded during the previous 12 months.
Although under UK law, e-bike motors must cut out when a speed of 15.5mph is reached, police are increasingly finding many have been modified to reach much faster speeds - up to 70mph.
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