AN inquest into the death of a pensioner who died after being hit by a bus on the outskirts of Durham last week has been opened.

Walter Heighley, 81, of Durham, was confirmed dead at the scene of the accident on the B6532, near the Trouts Lane junction with the Durham City to Sacriston road, on November 17.

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

At Crook Coroner’s Court, Deputy Coroner, Crispin Oliver, said Mr Heighley was identified by his daughter and a preliminary cause of death had been given as multiple injuries.

He said an investigation was still ongoing while coroner’s officer, Jacqueline Sirrell, said criminal charges could be brought.

The case will be reviewed on January 11.