A woman has died after a crash on the A690 in County Durham, it has been tragically confirmed.

The woman, who has not yet been named, was involved in the crash at the junction with Pittington Lane at around 5.25pm on Saturday.

The road towards Durham City was shut for several hours while emergency services were on the scene. 

The crash involved a Seat Leon and a Volvo V70. 

At the time, it was reported that a person had been taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

However, Durham Police issued a statement tonight confirming the person, who had been driving the Seat at the time, had died.

They said: "Her family have asked to be left alone to grieve privately and do not wish to make a public tribute. They are being supported by specialist officers.

"Additionally, out of respect to all parties involved, we would ask that no names of those involved are posted here, and no speculation is made as to the circumstances of the collision.

"An investigation is ongoing by our officers in the Roads and Armed Policing team, alongside Forensic Collision Investigators.

"Should you have any information which may assist, please contact ourselves via live chat or 101, quoting incident ref 312 of July 2."