A YOUNG man died after he was struck by a bus yesterday morning.

The man, who is believed to be 21 years old, was crossing the A693 near the junction with Gray Terrace, New Kyo, near Stanley, County Durham, when the accident happened, shortly before 6.40am.

A police spokesman said: "A 44-seater single-decker bus from Go-Ahead Northern was travelling toward Consett when the pedestrian attempted to cross the road.

"It appears the driver of the bus saw the man and altered his course at the same time as the victim was trying to return to the roadside."

The man suffered multiple injuries in the accident that followed and was certified dead shortly after his arrival at the University Hospital of North Durham.

The 31-year-old driver of the bus, who is from nearby Leadgate, was unhurt, but badly shaken.

The road was closed until 10.30am, while accident investigators carried out an examination of the scene.

The victim, who has not been named, was from the south of England and efforts were being made last night to trace his next of kin.

Police have appealed for any witnesses who may have information to contact 0191-375 2159.