A MOTORCYCLIST killed in a crash that shut the A1(M) may have suffered a medical episode.

The accident happened shortly after 11am on the southbound carriageway between junction 59 and junction 58 near Darlington on Tuesday.

Police closed the road in both directions to allow the air ambulance to land and to allow paramedics to treat the 74-year-old at the scene.

Durham Police said on Tuesday night: "It is believed he suffered a medical episode while on the bike. After extensive first aid at the roadside, sadly he was pronounced dead.

"The northbound carriageway was reopened a short time later but southbound was closed for nearly five hours while accident investigators attended the scene."

  • Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101.