A 45-YEAR-OLD man has died following a two-vehicle collision on a County Durham motorway in the early hours of this morning (Sunday, October 20).

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash, which involved a red Renault Clio and a white articulated HGV with a trailer.

It happened at about 1.15am, on the northbound carriageway of the A1(M), between junction 60 Bradbury interchange and junction 61 for Bowburn, County Durham.

The driver of the Clio, a 45-year-old man from the Sunderland area, was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, where he was pronounced dead.

His identity has not yet been made public.

A 59-year-old man from Chester-le-Street, who was driving the articulated lorry, was said to be suffering from shock, but was not taken to hospital.

The circumstances of the crash, which happened just north of Stobb Cross Lane, near West Cornforth, were not immediately clear.

Inspector Craig Dixon, of Durham Police, said officers had made contact with the Clio driver’s family and were offering appropriate support.

Insp Dixon said: “Approximately three-quarters of a mile north of Stobb Cross Lane, police were called to an accident involving a red Renault Clio motor car and a white HGV with a trailer.

“The driver of the Clio, a 45-year-old male from the Sunderland area, was taken to James Cook Hospital, but has unfortunately died from his injuries.

“The driver of the GHV, a 59-year-old male from the Chester-le-Street area, was suffering from the effects of shock, but did not attend hospital.

“Owing to the serious nature of this accident, police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information about the accident.

“Police are assisting the family of the deceased male and a family liaison officer will be appointed."

The road was closed for several hours following the collision, and was reopened at 7.15am.

Witnesses are asked to call the accident investigation unit on 101, or 0345-60-60-365.