TWO youngsters have died after their bicycles were involved in separate accidents involving cars.

Ten-year-old Jamie Peter Dermott was involved in a crash as he rode his mountain bike through Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, on Sunday morning.

He had been cycling on a footpath at Burn Lane at about 10.30am on Sunday. He was involved in an accident with a Fiat Punto car when he crossed the road near the junction with Cobblers Hall.

After the accident, police were unsure of his identity and spent several hours trying to trace his family.

Jamie, who had recently celebrated his birthday, was initially taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital suffering from head injuries, a broken hip and internal injuries.

He was transferred to Newcastle General Hospital, where he remained unconscious until he was pronounced dead on Wednesday evening.

His family, who were at his bedside when he died, were too upset to speak yesterday about the incident.

Neighbours of Jamie, who lived at Russell Court, Newton Aycliffe, said they often saw him playing on his bike.

One said: "He was a canny lad, just like other kids round here, and he seemed happy. It is a real shame."

Meanwhile a girl from Durham has died after her bicycle was involved in a crash with a car.

It happened at 7.20pm on Wednesday near the traffic lights on the A167 at Nevilles Cross.

Police said the girl, who lives in the Nevilles Cross area, was riding on the pavement, but went on to the road and was involved in an accident with a Volkswagen Golf car heading in the same direction.

She suffered head and internal injuries and underwent surgery at the city's University Hospital before she was taken to Newcastle General Hospital. She died in hospital yesterday afternoon.

Police have asked witnesses to call 0191-375 2159.