A heartbroken family has paid tribute to their "loving mam and special sister" who tragically died following a crash in County Durham. 

Emergency services - including an air ambulance - were called to the B1281 Hesledon Road, near Blackhall Colliery, on Wednesday (August 29) after a single-vehicle crash. 

Police closed the road for seven hours - while a woman was left fighting for her life at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, after being taken there by ambulance crews. 

Durham Constabulary has today (September 4) confirmed that a woman tragically died on Monday evening following the crash, naming her as Kay Allan, of Houghton-le-Spring. 

The 39-year-old's family has now issued a heartbreaking tribute to her: "Kay was a loving mam, a special sister, an amazing daughter, and great friend to many.

“She will be missed more than words can say.”

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Kay's family also thanked the members of the public who stopped to help at the scene, the emergency services, and the staff who cared for Kay in hospital.

An investigation into the crash - which involved a white Audi A3 and took place on the eastbound carriageway at 11.35am - is now ongoing. 

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or has any dashcam footage, is asked to contact Durham Constabulary’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit via sciu@durham.police.uk or on 101, quoting incident number 129 of August 28.