POLICE have concluded inquiries into the death of a pensioner who was dragged about half-a-mile under a bus.

A file on the circumstances surrounding the death of 86-year-old Jenny Spedding, in Durham, in February, has been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration.

Mrs Spedding is believed to have been caught under a wheel of an Arriva single-decker bus as it left Durham bus station, in North Road.

But she was not thrown clear until the bus made a right turn at traffic lights on Crossgate Peth, near St Margaret's Health Centre.

Mrs Spedding, a widow, of Sherburn Hill, near Durham, was certified dead at the scene, but it took several days to confirm formal identification.

An inquest into her death was recently opened and adjourned by the North Durham coroner, and her funeral has taken place.

Police said at the time of the accident the bus driver appeared to be oblivious of the incident and it was only four miles further on that a patrol car caught up with the 44 service vehicle.

The driver, a 51-year-old man from Langley Park, near Durham, was said to be extremely shocked about the incident and was given leave by the company.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary confirmed last night that the driver has subsequently given a voluntary statement, which has been included in the file of evidence that has been passed to Crown Prosecution lawyers for consideration.