One person has died after a crash which saw a County Durham road closed for several hours, police have confirmed.

The incident occurred at 1am on Mainsforth Road in Bishop Middleham which runs under the A1(M), and was closed by police in the early hours of Thursday morning whilst they attended the scene.

In a social media post, the force said the road was to be closed "for some time" as they urged motorists to find another route.

Durham Police have now confirmed that the only vehicle involved was a white Peugeot Partner van and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Durham Constabulary said in a statement: "We were called to reports of a one vehicle collision on Mainsforth Road, Bishop Middleham, shortly after 1am this morning.

"The incident, involving a white Peugeot Partner van, occurred underneath the A1(M).

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"Sadly, the driver of the van was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Anyone who may have seen the vehicle in the area prior to the collision is asked to email sciu@durham.police.uk, quoting incident reference 10 of February 8."

The road was re-opened just before 1pm.