A MAN who died this morning (Friday, March 22) after a car left the road has been named.

Michael Andrew Massey, 33, of Birch Crescent in Burnopfield, County Durham, was killed when black Renault Clio car left the road at nearby Byermoor, on the A692 Lobley Hill Road, shortly after 5am.

A second man who was injured in the crash is being treated for a head injury. His condition is not thought to be life threatening.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses, in particular a passing motorist who may have stopped at the scene immediately after the crash.

And they are appealing for anyone saw the vehicle involved in the area around the time of the crash.

Police received a report that a Renault Clio had left the road between Burnopfield and Sunniside, shortly after 5am.

Emergency services attended the scene, on a bend near a bus stand at Byermoor.

Mr Massey, who was brought from the car, was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he later died.

The section of the road either side of the accident scene remained closed until later in the morning to allow further on-site investigations to take place.

A police spokesman said: “Police are appealing for anyone who saw the vehicle - a black Renault Clio - in the area around the time of the crash to contact them as soon as possible.

“It has now been established that a passing motorist may have stopped at the scene immediately after the crash took place, but left before police arrived and officers are keen to trace this driver as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police’s road safety unit, at Etal Lane Police Station, in Newcastle, on 101, extension 69191.