A MAN has been killed and another injured in a crash between a van and a car in Consett today.

Emergency services, including the Great North Air Ambulance Service, were alerted to the accident near Starbucks on the A692 Genesis Way, Consett, at about 11.50am.

Rob Turnbull, group manager with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received a report of a collision between a private motor vehicle and a light van near Starbucks on the A692 in Consett.

"We extricated one male adult from the van and he has been transported by air ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with back and chest pains.

"There was one male deceased as well. We assisted the ambulance crews with the extrication of the driver of the car. However, that gentleman unfortunately passed away.”

Police closed the road and pedestrian pathway in both directions between The Grove Industrial Estate and Genesis Way Roundabout for several hours.

In a Facebook posting at 6.15m Durham Police said: "The road closure in Consett on the A692 which had been in place has now been fully re-opened. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

Police said no further details were being released at this stage.