A CYCLIST has died after an accident on Carmel Road South in Darlington this morning.

He is believed to have collided with the rear of a parked BMW car approximately 300m south of the roundabout with Carmel Road North.

The accident happened around 8am and the cyclist was taken by police helicopter to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where he was confirmed dead.

The Northern Echo:
A police helicopter lands on the fourth fairway at Blackwell Grange Golf Club in Darlington. Picture: James Snaith

Police are now trying to identify the dead man and trace next of kin.

Initial enquiries suggest he is local to Darlington and is possibly aged in his late forties or early fifties.

The road was closed to traffic for a time but has since re-opened.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact the collision investigation unit on 0191 375 2159.

More follows.