A PEDESTRIAN has been struck by a car in Chester-le-Street this morning.

The incident happened on Newcastle Road, which was closed for in both directions for about four hours.

Three members of staff from the nearby Co-op FuneralCare rushed to the aid of the man.

One member of staff said said: "The accident happened at about 8.30am.

"Three of our funeral directors went out to help before the ambulance and police arrived.

"One of them helped the injured man gentleman, bandaging his head until the ambulance came, while the other directed the traffic and the third brought out a chair."

A spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary said: “We were called to reports of a collision between a pedestrian and a car on Newcastle Road, in Chester-le-Street, shortly after 8.30am this morning.”

“A man has been taken to the RVI, in Newcastle.

“The road is currently closed in both directions between the mini roundabout and the traffic lights and we are advising motorists to avoid the area.”

Officers from the accident investigation unit are at the scene and a blue Ford Fiesta, which was involved in the incident can be seen inside the police cordon.

The road was reopened at about midday.

The Northern Echo: Police cordon off access to the scene of the incident on Newcastle Road, in Chester-le-Street. Picture: Gavin EngelbrechtPolice cordon off access to the scene of the incident on Newcastle Road, in Chester-le-Street. Picture: Gavin Engelbrecht

The Northern Echo: An officer from the accident investigation unit at the scene of the crash on Newcastle Road, in Chester-le-Street. Picture: Gavin EngelbrechtAn officer from the accident investigation unit at the scene of the crash on Newcastle Road, in Chester-le-Street. Picture: Gavin Engelbrecht