A young motorbike rider who died while being chased by police has been remembered as a much-loved friend and brother.

Bradley Wilder, 20, was riding his motorbike in Hamilton, Newcastle, when police gave chase due to a missing number plate at about 7.30pm on Saturday.

Wilder crashed several suburbs away in Charlestown and was declared dead at the scene.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

Outpourings of grief and disbelief at his death have flooded in, with friends and family remembering him as a caring and loyal friend who was now a “guardian angel”.

“I didn’t want to hear this today, I pray to God last night for this to be a mistaken identity,” one friend post online.

“It’s been years in-between, you were a special little dude to us. RIP, way too young.”

Another person commented that Wilder’s death was “such a loss, (he) can never be replaced.”

Wilder, who worked at a warehouse in Newcastle, often posted videos of himself riding motorbikes on TikTok.

He was remembered as “soft-spoken, well-behaved and respectful” by a family member who spoke to 9NEWS.

Police said a crime scene and critical incident were declared to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wilder’s death in the police chase.

The investigation will be subject to an independent review by the Professional Standards Command (PSC) with oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

The PSC is a specialist police unit which focuses on enforcing professional standards.

Its primary roles including investigating serious allegations and ensure accountability within the police force.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner, police said.