A man walking along the A689 died of chest and leg injuries after he was hit by a car, an inquest has heard.

Scott Punshon was struck by a red Mercedes A-Class in the early hours of Saturday, August 12, 2023 on the A689 in County Durham between Crook and Howden-le-Wear, police previously said.

Emergency services attended just after 1am but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

An inquest was opened into the 36-year-old’s death this week which heard he died of leg and chest injuries.

The Northern Echo: Scott Punshon.Scott Punshon. (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

Coroner’s Officer Laura Menzies told the court: “I understand the circumstances to be that Mr Punshon was involved in a road traffic collision on August 12, 2023. He died on August 12 on the A689 at Howden-le-Wear.

“Dr Nigel Cooper conducted a post-mortem examination at Darlington Memorial Hospital mortuary and gave the cause of death as chest and leg injuries.”

Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield adjourned the inquest to a later date.

Scott’s mum Janet Armstrong previously paid a touching tribute to her son saying they were “absolutely heartbroken” by his death.

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She said: “As a family we are absolutely heartbroken at the sudden and tragic death of our beloved son and brother.

“Scott was a happy-go-lucky lad with a heart of gold. His death has left a huge hole in our lives and the lives of all who knew him.

“He is sadly missed by myself and his stepfather John, his brother Robert and his sisters Rachel and Stacey. RIP my beautiful boy.”