A MAN collapsed and died 24 hours after he crashed into a motorway barrier near Durham City.

A police spokesman said the accident happened on the A1(M) between Durham and Bowburn just after 7pm on Thursday, June 19.

A white and blue Isuzu Grafter heading north between junctions 61 and 62 collided with a temporary barrier which was in place due to ongoing roadworks.

The driver, 49-year-old Kenneth Cairns from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, received treatment at the scene from paramedics, before being taken to the University Hospital North Durham.

The spokesman said: “Because his injuries were classed as minor he was seen and discharged the same night.

“The following day a call was received from Northumbria Police to say that Mr Cairns, who is known as Ken by family and friends, had collapsed while out with his wife and had subsequently died.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Durham Police on 101.