POLICE have traced the driver of an emergency vehicle who might have witnessed a fatal accident.

John Peter Haley, 44, died when his 1200cc motorbike collided with a car on the A688 road at Spennymoor, County Durham.

A white Ford Escort car with a blue flashing light had been travelling in front of Mr Haley, from Sunderland, and police have now traced the driver, a 44-year-old fire-fighter, from Spennymoor.

He had been responding to an emergency and had not been aware of the accident behind him.

Witnesses to the crash are asked to contact police on 0191-386 4929.

An inquest into Mr Haley's death is due to be opened at Durham County Hall this afternoon.