Police are trying to identify the body of a man who was killed after being hit by a car as he lay in the middle of a road.

The man - believed to be about 30 - was struck by a Nissan Primera on the A67 at Middleton-St-George, Darlington, on Monday night.

An undamaged mountain bike was found near to the scene of the accident. Last night, officers said it was a mystery how the man came to be lying in the road and appealed for witnesses to the accident to come forward.

Inspector Colin Nixon, from Durham Police, said: "It would appear the deceased was lying in the roadway when he was struck by a Nissan Primera motorcar driven by a Darlington man.

"Following the accident a pedal cycle was found lying in an undamaged condition nearby."

The accident happened at 9.55pm at the A67's junction with a minor road leading to Palm Bridge.

The man is described as white, 6ft tall, of slim build, with shaven ginger hair and blue eyes. He has a gold molar tooth. He was wearing a blue fleece Berghaus jacket, red T-shirt, blue tracksuit bottoms, white rugby shorts and a pair of Ellesse shoes.

The blue, black and white bike is a Giant 21-speed model covered in Newcastle FC stickers.

Anyone who recognizes the description or has information about the accident should call police on 0191-375 2159 or go to any police station.