Police continue probe into fatal incident on Handley Street, Horden

Emergency services were called to Handley Street in Horden at around 11.15am on Sunday (March 19) following reports that a DPD van driver had collapsed.

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

Read more: Horden incident: Tragedy as police confirm a man has died

Several hours after the first police cordon was put in place, Durham Police confirmed that a man had died.

One man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

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

Handley Street in Horden on Monday (March 20) (Image: STUART BOULTON)

On Monday (March 20), the police cordon had been lifted and no floral tributes were at the scene. However, the mood was still sombre in the town.

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

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.

Forensic teams in Horden on Sunday (March 19) (Image: The Northern Echo)

“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.”