A MOTORIST caught up in a road rage incident could provide vital clues to detectives hunting a hit-and-run driver who left a teenager to die.

Police believe that only an hour before a teenager from Peterlee, County Durham, was fatally injured after he was struck by a car, the same vehicle may have been involved in a confrontation with another driver.

At about 8.30pm on Wednesday, 15-year-old Ian Gourley had been with friends on playing fields next to Eden Lane, in Peterlee.

In the darkness, a car appeared over a mound on the playing field, struck Ian and failed to stop.

A short time later, a stolen black Ford Escort diesel car, which was believed to be involved in the incident, was found abandoned and burnt out about half a mile away.

Ian, the youngest of five children, who lives with his family in Lakemore, in Peterlee, was taken to Hartlepool's University Hospital and died shortly after.

A post mortem examination carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr James Sunter confirmed Ian died from severe head injuries and injuries to the left side of his body.

Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson, who is leading 30 investigators, revealed yesterday that the driver of a dark Ford Escort car was involved in a confrontation with a driver about an hour before the fatal incident.

Witnesses told police that the driver of a lighter car and the Escort had been involved in a near- collision at the junction of Galloway Road and Little Eden at about 7.30pm.

Det Supt Stephenson said: "The incident resulted in the two drivers getting out of their vehicles and there was a verbal exchange between them.

"We believe the driver of that lighter coloured vehicle can provide us with vital evidence about the driver and occupants of the dark Escort and we would like to talk to him as a matter of urgency."

The driver officers want to speak to is white, about 25 to 30, and spoke with a local accent.

He was 5ft 10ins, of medium build and is believed to have short, dark hair, possibly shaved and was wearing a cap, dark denim jeans and a waist-length jacket.

Det Supt Stephenson said there were various sightings of the Ford Escort in the Edenhill area of Peterlee during the course of Wednesday and that he was interested in hearing from anyone who might have seen it.

The recovered vehicle is currently the subject of a detailed forensic examination.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 0191-586 2621 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.