FOOTBALL fans and a paramedic fought in vain to save the life of a van driver, whose vehicle collided with the central reservation of the A19 before overturning in a field.

North Yorkshire Police is investigating the death of the 55-year-old from Norton, Teesside, who was involved in the single-vehicle collision on the northbound carriageway of the A19 near Ingleby Arncliffe at 5.10pm on Saturday.

Middlesbrough fans, returning from Nottingham after their Championship game, came across the accident, which involved a black Peugeot Expert van and happened just past the Exelby Service Station.

On Twitter, Michael Gair, 24 and from Redcar, wrote: “We got off the coach to help, but sadly the man passed away at the scene.

“It was awful. There was a paramedic on our coach. He gave CPR for 25 minutes until help arrived.”

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police confirmed the events.

"Paramedics and members of the public attempted to revive the man but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene," he said.

"A woman passenger in the van was taken to James Cook Hospital for precautionary checks.

"The section of road was closed, with local diversions in place, to allow a full police examination of the collision scene and to assist the recovery of the van. The road reopened at 9.15pm.

"Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or recall seeing the vehicle being driven on the A19 prior to the incident, to come forward to assist the investigation."

If you can help, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Iain Atkinson from the Major Collision Investigation Team. People can also email Iain.Atkinson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or MCIT@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk quoting reference number 12150165927.