A CYCLIST who died when he was hit by a bus on the outskirts of Durham City on Tuesday (November 17) has been named.

Walter Heighley, 81, of Dryburn Road, Durham City, was confirmed dead at the scene of the accident on the B6532, near the Trouts Lane junction with the Durham City to Sacriston road.

The crash involved a single-deck Go North East bus.

A statement released by the family said: “We are so sad to announce the death of Walter.

“He was a loving and much-loved husband, father and grandfather, and will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.”

Go North East spokesman Stephen King said: “Service 16A, travelling between Durham and Sacriston, was in a collision with a cyclist on the B6532. There were four people on board the bus who, along with our driver, were uninjured.

“We understand from police that the cyclist died at the scene and our thoughts are with his family at this time. We are assisting the police with their accident investigation.”

Any witnesses should contact the collision investigation unit on 0191-375-2159.

A 31-year-old cyclist who collided with an Arriva bus in Hallgarth Street, Durham City, on Saturday (November 14) remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.