ONE man died and another was seriously injured in a road traffic accident involving a lorry and a van.

The collision happened today (Friday, May 24) at 1pm on the A68 at the Ingleton junction near Heighington, near Darlington.

A man in his late 40s, a passenger in the van, was killed and another man, also a passenger, was taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, with multiple injuries. His condition is desribed as serious. A third man was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital.

The driver of the lorry was uninjured.

The A68 was closed from the Swan House roundabout to Royal Oak and drivers were asked to find an alternative route.

Durham Police are appealing for witnesses and anybody with any information is asked to call the non-emergency 101 number.