TRIBUTES have been paid to a young woman who was killed in a horror smash on one of the region's busiest roads.

Christine Harrison, a 28-year-old Darlington woman, died when the car she was travelling left the road and collided with trees on Saturday, March 9.

The incident happened at around 6am on the A66 Bridge Road, between the Reg Vardy roundabout and the Northern Echo Arena.  

Police believe surface water may have led to the tragic accident.

Fire crews attending the scene had to release one casualty from the VW Golf GT vehicle.

Four more people from Darlington managed to escape the incident without serious injury but Ms Harrison, of Longfield Road, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Floral tributes to Ms Harrison, believed to be the mother of one daughter, were left at the scene of the accident.

A message left with the flowers said “R.I.P Christine, all our love, Uncle Max and family”.

Another said “R.I.P Christine, night, God bless, gone but never forgotten”.

Friends have also paid tribute online. Jamie Bryant said: “RIP Christine Harrison wot a lass, proper sad loss”, while Angelina Marie Marshall said she was shocked about her death and that her thoughts are with her family.

Darlington police are investigating the incident.

A spokesman for the force said: “We are continuing to appeal for witnesses and in due course we will be taking statements from all the occupants of the car, which is routine procedure for any fatal or serious collision.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Darlington Police on non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.