Police have launched an investigation following an incident in which a van driver died this morning (March 19).

Officers and paramedics attended Handley Street in Horden at 11:15am, where a man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

One man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

UPDATED: Two men charged with manslaughter after DPD delivery driver dies following incident

The Northern Echo: Forensics team at the sceneForensics team at the scene (Image: Michael Robinson)

Emergency services converged on the street after reports that a DPD delivery van driver had collapsed.

Police cordoned off three roads, including Handley Street and two back alleys.

A forensic tent was erected next to a white DPD van alongside a row of houses as forensics teams arrived at the scene.

When The Northern Echo arrived, there were four police vans and three patrol cars present, along with a forensics van.

On one of the roads, a toy car was left in the middle of a quiet street as police investigated.

Read more: First pictures from scene of incident in Horden, County Durham

The Northern Echo:

One resident said the incident had been "absolutely terrible" and offered sympathy for the man and his family.

The mood in the surrounding streets was sombre, with residents answering their doors baffled and shocked by the horror of what had happened.

Forensic officers in white overalls arrived at the scene and were seen carrying out an inspection inside the tent.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “Police have launched an investigation following an incident in the Handley Street area, of Horden at around 11.30am this morning.

“Officers and paramedics attended but sadly, a man was pronounced dead at the scene. One man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

“The area is currently cordoned off and officers are expected to remain at the scene for some time."

Detective Chief Inspector Craig Rudd, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This investigation is in the very early stages, and we are working to establish exactly what has happened.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience, understanding and co-operation while we deal with the incident.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 152 of March 19.”

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The Northern Echo:

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to an incident in Handley Street, Horden, at 11.14am this morning.

"We dispatched a community first responder, a clinical team leader, a rapid response paramedic, an ambulance crew, a specialist paramedic, and an officer."