A MAN in his sixties has died after being hit by a car while he was walking.

It happened just before midnight on Friday in Shincliffe.

Police say they believe a black Audi A3 lost control on the bend and struck the man, who was walking on the footpath next to the A177.

A police spokesperson said: "The pedestrian was a local man in his 60s who despite the efforts of emergency services was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"The road remained closed for several hours while accident investigators surveyed the scene."

Two men aged 27 and 24 and a woman aged 22 were arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Prior to the collision, which happened on the southbound carriageway, as the road climbs towards High Shincliffe, the black Audi A3 is believed to have travelled from Durham City in the direction of Bowburn.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the collision.

Anyone who saw it, or has dashcam footage of the vehicle prior to the collision is asked to contact the Collision Unit on 0191 3752159 or Durham Police on 101 quoting reference 2 of March 2.