POLICE yesterday named the victim of a fatal car accident.

The incident took place at the entrance to the Hawthorn Service Station, at Easington, east Durham, on the northbound carriageway of the A19.

The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Matthew Richard Allan, whose parents live in Borough Road, Redcar, east Cleveland.

Mr Allan, who recently moved to Hartlepool, had been driving his blue Vauxhall Astra on the A19 at about 9.25pm on Tuesday.

It is believed he lost control of the vehicle as he tried to turn off the main carriageway and enter the service station.

His car mounted the kerb and hit the concrete base of the petrol station price sign.

After the collision, the entrance to the services was closed from 9.40pm to midnight.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident to call 0845 60 60 365.