The M1 Pacific Motorway is closed to southbound traffic at Killingworth as investigators piece together the circumstances of a fatal car and motorbike crash overnight.
A male motorcyclist died at the scene after coming off his bike at around 1 o'clock Wednesday morning.
Officers have been told two motorbikes were travelling south at speed when one rider was thrown from his bike and hit by a car travelling in the same direction.
The rider of the second motorcycle did not stop.
The woman driving the car was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for mandatory tests and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have dash-cam footage of the two motorbikes prior to the crash, to come forward.
Diversions are in place for those travelling south.
Diversions are in place for those travelling south.
