A MOTORIST who died after his car crashed into a parked ambulance has been named.

Jonathan Burke, 21, of Chester-le-Street, was driving a Renault Clio which collided into into a stationary ambulance, while paramedics attended to the victims of another road smash.

The 21-year-old had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car by firefighters following the crash on the A1231, near the junction of the A195 at Barmston in Washington just before 7.30am on Sunday.

He was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital for treatment, but nothing could be done to save his life and he died later in the day.

The ambulance involved had been attending a separate crash, involving a Vauxhall Astra.

Four people travelling in that car were also taken to hospital suffering minor injuries.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “We are now in a position to name the 21-year-old man who died following this collision. The man's name is Jonathan Burke of The Parks, Chester-le Street."

A spokesman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “The driver was freed by fire crews using cutting equipment and placed on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

“The ambulance involved was attending a separate incident involving a Vauxhall Astra.”

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the accident to come forward. Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101.