POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident that led to the death of a pensioner.

William Wright, 77, from South Moor in Stanley, was struck by a Land Rover Freelander as he tried to cross the A693 in New Kyo at 4.25pm last Thursday.

He suffered multiple injuries and despite emergency surgery at the University Hospital of North Durham, died later that evening.

The driver of the car, a 32-year-old man from Consett, was unhurt.

Police are seeking information from anyone who might have seen the gold Freelander shortly before the accident.

It had been driven from the Consett area along the A691, then up Maiden Law bank before it turned right on to the A693.

Officers from the accident investigation unit have placed information boards at the scene to attract potential witnesses.

PC Ian Haigh said: "It seems clear from the people we have spoken to so far that there must be a number of other witnesses.

"These may have seen either the collision itself or the manner in which the Freelander was being driven before it hit Mr Wright."

Anyone with information is asked to ring the unit on (0191) 375 2159.