A moped rider died following a collision with a car at the entrance to an industrial estate.

Police named the victim yesterday as 67-year-old Thomas Johnson, of Sherburn Village, near Durham City.

He was said to be travelling north on the A688 road, from Tursdale roundabout, heading in the direction of Durham Services at the nearby Bowburn interchange of the A1(M).

The blue Yamaha 125cc machine was passing Tursdale industrial estate when the collision took place.

Police said a maroon Ford Mondeo car, which appeared to be emerging from the industrial estate on to the A688, was in collision with the moped.

Mr Johnson was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, but he was certified dead on arrival.

The 23-year-old male driver of the Ford Mondeo, from nearby West Cornforth, suffered shock but was otherwise unhurt.

Accident investigators have appealed for information from witnesses.

The collision took place at rush hour when many motorists were heading home from work.

Anyone who saw the incident, at about 5.30pm on Tuesday, is asked to contact Durham Police on 0191-386 4929.