A CYCLIST died after suffering a suspected heart attack and colliding with a parked car as he rode through a County Durham village yesterday. (Thursday, May 16)

The 56-year-old man was cycling with a group of friends in Winston, between Barnard Castle and Darlington, at around 4pm when the incident occurred.

The group were travelling east along Front Street, towards the A67, when the victim was seen to veer off to the nearside where he collided with the corner of a parked car.

Paramedics attempted to revive the man, who is from the Bishop Auckland area, but he was confirmed dead at the scene.

Inspector Kevin Blakey, of Durham police, said: “It is believed the gentleman suffered a heart attack.”