A MOTHER has died and her five-year-old son has suffered serious injuries after they were struck by a car while crossing the road yesterday.

The 29-year-old woman was on a pedestrian crossing with her child when they were hit by a blue Ford Focus on Darlington’s St Cuthbert’s Way.

Members of the public reportedly rushed to help the stricken pair as emergency services - including the Great North Air Ambulance Service, police and the fire brigade - hurried to the scene.

The woman, who has not been publicly named, was airlifted to Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital but died from her injuries on Sunday evening.

Her child was taken to the same hospital, suffering from “significant injuries”. He remains in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

The driver of the Ford –a 36-year-old man – was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

He has been released under investigation while inquiries into the incident - which happened at around 3.40pm opposite St Cuthbert’s Church - continue.

Roads around the area were closed throughout Sunday afternoon as the emergency services worked to help the injured pair and control traffic in the vicinity.

Durham Constabulary has urged anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to contact them on non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.