A BUS driver has been charged with causing the death of a pensioner who was killed in Darlington town centre.

A 52-year-old man, from Middleton St George, is due to appear in court on December 22 charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The Northern Echo:

Police at the scene of the accident in July

The accident on July 7 involved an Arriva service bus hitting a number of people in Northgate, Darlington.

It also crashed into the front of the Halifax Bank premises, causing considerable damage.

This resulted in the death of a local woman, 82-year-old Eileen Brennan, and two other pedestrians being injured, one of them seriously.

Nick Knox, area managing director for Arriva, said: “We can confirm that an Arriva employee has been charged with death by dangerous driving and injury by dangerous driving.

"Arriva has given its full support to the police investigation since July’s accident in Darlington. Our thoughts today still remain with all of the families involved in this tragic incident.

“We can confirm the driver is still an employee of Arriva, although isn’t currently on active duties.

"Due to the sensitive nature of the incident we aren’t planning to make any further media statements at this time.”

The suspect has been given unconditional bail to appear before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe on Thursday, December 22.