A MAN in his 30s died in a crash near Hartlepool at the weekend.

The driver of the silver Honda Accord was pronounced dead at the scene after hitting a fence on North Lane, about 250m east of Elwick Village in Hartlepool, at 12.20am on Saturday.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "Sadly the 34-year-old driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.

"Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this tragic time.

"The 23-year-old female passenger of the vehicle was taken to James Cook University Hospital where she was treated for a fractured collarbone and other minor injuries."

*Officers are appealing for any witnesses regarding the collision to contact PC Lee Benson from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 032959.