Motorbike crash puts Clooney back in ER

GEORGE Clooney has made an unwelcome real-life return to ER after being involved, along with his girlfriend, in a motorbike smash.

The Hollywood heartthrob was taken to hospital after being involved in a collision with a car in New Jersey.

The actor, 46, and his partner Sarah Larson, who was a pillion passenger, suffered broken bones in the accident. The Ocean's 13 star had a broken rib and cuts, while Larson, 28, broke her foot.

They were treated in hospital on Friday and later released, Clooney's spokesman Stan Rosenfield said. He added: "He's doing fine. He has a broken rib, it's very painful and it'll take a long time to heal." He confirmed the pair were both wearing helmets.

According to Weehawken Police Sergeant Sean Kelly, the accident occurred at 3.30pm on the narrow Boulevard East, when Clooney tried to pass a 1999 Mazda that was allegedly attempting a right-hand turn from the left lane.

The car driver, 27-year-old Albert Sciancaledore, told police Clooney was hastily passing cars in the right lane, while the actor said the other driver accelerated to pass him to make the turn.

"The car signalled left. George was riding to the right," Rosenfield said. "The driver decided to make an abrupt right turn and clipped George." No charges have yet been made but the accident remains under investigation.

"It's a he-said, she-said, right now but you can't pass on the right in Weehawken or anywhere in Jersey," Kelly said.

Clooney, an avid biker, was treated for a hairline fracture of a rib and "road rash" at Palisades Medical Centre in North Bergen, New Jersey. Larson was taken away by ambulance but Clooney was able to leave the scene on his Harley-Davidson.

As well as having a broken foot, Larson suffered from cuts and scratches to her face. The couple were released shortly after being treated.

David Sciumbata, 32, witnessed the accident, which took place outside his home. "I thought he looked like George Clooney and the girl was very pretty, so it figured. She seemed really hurt and had a cut on her face.

"He was saying, 'It'll be all right. Don't move.' He seems to really care about her."

Sciumbata said they rode a rented light-blue Harley-Davidson that his neighbour, musician Jerry Zaslavsky, stored for Clooney after the accident.

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