A WOMAN from Stockton has died after being struck by a lorry on the A690 at West Rainton, near Durham in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The incident happened shortly after 2.30am on Saturday, May 9 on the inside lane of the westbound carriageway between West Rainton and the entrance to the Ramside Hall hotel.

Kelly Bennett, aged 36, had been walking on the road when she was hit from behind by the Volvo truck. She was confirmed dead at the scene.

The driver, a 29-year-old man from Poland was unhurt as were his two passengers.

The investigating officer, Sgt Jonathan Morgan said; "We believe Kelly had left a friend's house in West Rainton and for some unknown reason was walking on the carriageway, in the direction of Durham when she was struck by the lorry. If anyone driving along the A690 at that time remembers seeing a woman on foot in that area, we would ask them to contact us."

Anyone with information should contact the collision investigation unit via 101.