THE death toll of a fatal road traffic accident in Consett has risen to three.

Margaret Murray, 53, of Castleside, near Consett, died in Newcastle General Hospital on Sunday.

Her husband Michael Murray, also 53, and taxi driver Michael Joseph Stewart, 39, of Surrey Crescent, Moorside, Consett, died after the accident on the A692, on May 22.

Judith Mallows worked with Mrs Murray, who was a carer for adults with learning difficulties at Jubilee House in Moorside, near Consett.

She said: "It is very sad and everyone is very upset about it. It has come as a real shock. She was a lovely lady and we are going to miss her a lot."

Mrs Murray was in the rear seat of the Neasham's taxi, a blue Peugeot 406, which was near the Morrisons roundabout heading for the town centre. The accident happened at 6.50pm, when the taxi was involved in an accident with a black Citroen Xantia SX Turbo diesel car travelling the other way. Mrs Murray suffered leg, back, neck and internal injuries.

She was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham and transferred to the spinal unit at Newcastle General Hospital. She died on Sunday, a week after the accident.

Funeral arrangements are being made by their children Mark, who lives in Consett, and Lisa, who lives in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Inquests have been opened into the deaths of Mr Murray and Mr Stewart.

A man in his fifties, who was also a passenger in the taxi, suffered multiple injuries. The driver of the Citroen, Michael Logan, 26, of Dacre Gardens, Consett, is now recovering at home.

Police have made a new appeal for witnesses, and are keen to hear from the driver of a Mercedes car, which is believed to have been in the area at the time. Call (0191) 375 2159.