POLICE last night named a 52-year-old North-East man who was knocked down and fatally injured by a car on Christmas Day.

Arthur Burlison, of Twelfth Avenue, Chester-le-Street, was struck by a car on the A693 road near Chester-le-Street, said Inspector Colin Nixon, of Durham Police.

Mr Burlison is understood to have been walking from right to left across the A693, between Chester-le-Street and Pelton, at the time.

The accident happened at about 4.30pm and the road was closed for more than two hours while police carried out investigations.

Mr Burlison was struck by a blue Honda Civic car.

The 41-year-old driver, who is believed to come from the Ferryhill area, County Durham, and a 37-year-old woman passenger were both treated at the scene for shock.

Mr Burlison was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead but later died from his injuries.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident.

Anyone who saw the car, Mr Burlison, or the accident is asked to contact the Accident Investigation Unit at Durham Police Headquarters, Aykley Heads, on 0191-386 4929.