A BISHOP Auckland woman who died after being trapped in a car on Sunday night was named yesterday by police.

Eileen Hancock, aged 63, of Vart Road, was a passenger in a Renault Espace which left the A688 near West Auckland shortly before 7.15pm and crashed through a hedge close to Staindrop Field House, Staindrop Road.

Fire crews released Mrs Hancock from the car and she was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital by ambulance, but she died soon after 8pm.

The Renault's 64-year-old driver was also taken to hospital and was later discharged.

The road was closed for three hours.

An inquest is due to open in Post Office House, Crook, at 9am this morning.