A MOTORCYCLIST was killed when his motorbike was involved in a collision with a car, an inquest heard.

John Haley, 44, of Ashbrooke Road in Sunderland, was driving his Suzuki 1200cc on the A688 in Spennymoor, County Durham, on January 6, when it smashed into a Hyundai Pony car.

The car had swerved into the middle of the road to avoid an emergency vehicle which was travelling in the opposite direction and overtaking a car.

Mr Haley, who was a financial advisor, was taken to Dryburn Hospital, Durham, where he died of head injuries.

Deputy North Durham Coroner Brenda Davidson recorded a verdict of accidental death.

John Murray, of Catherine Close, Spennymoor, was driving behind the Hyundai just before the accident.

He told the inquest he saw the emergency vehicle overtaking another car on the other side of the road.

He said: "The emergency vehicle was just going past when the Hyundai lost control.

"The back end swerved out over the white line, came back to the kerb and went out again and there was just debris all over the road."

The Hyundai driver Jacquelin Andrews, of Avoncroft Close in Seaham, was advised by her solicitor not to say anything.

The emergency vehicle belonged to the fire service and was being driven to an incident by Temporary Divisional Officer Ian Davison. He said he did not see the accident.

Mr Haley was born in West Yorkshire, but lived in the North-East for 20 years and was engaged to his business partner, Hazel Watt.