A TEENAGER was killed after he was struck by a van in the early hours of Thursday morning.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “The incident happened at around 4.20am on the A177 between High Shincliffe and Bowburn, near Durham, and involved a pedestrian and a van.

“The 16-year-old pedestrian was taken to University Hospital of North Durham, but died as a result of his injuries.

“We are appealing for witnesses - anyone who has not yet come forward or has dashcam footage.”

A man driving the van was not injured.

The road was closed for a number of hours while officers worked at the scene, but has since reopened.

The accident came as police renewed an appeal for witnesses after an elderly died aftre being struck by a car in Scott Street, Stanley, at about 11am on Wednesday.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “Police are appealing for witnesses after an elderly man sadly lost his life following a collision.

“The man was struck by a Toyota Auris which was being driven by a woman. She is not believed to have sustained any injuries.

“Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone with any dash cam footage of it to come forward.”

Reports will be prepared for the County Durham and Darlington Coroner.

Anyone with information should contact Durham Police on 101.