A MAN has died after his car crashed into a tree in Darlington on Tuesday afternoon. 

Thompson Street East was closed by police between the railway line and Salters Lane North following the collision, which happened near Wylam Avenue at around 12pm.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The road remained closed for several hours for accident investigation work to be carried out.

A spokesperson from Durham Constabulary said: "Police received reports of a collision on Thompson Street East, Darlington, at around 12pm today, October 8.

"The incident involved one vehicle, which collided with a tree at the junction with Wylam Avenue.

"Sadly the male driver was pronounced dead at the scene.