A MAN in his early thirties died after the sports car he was driving crashed into a road sign and burst into flames.

The man, thought to be from the Stockton area, had not been formally identified by police last night.

His male passenger, also from the Stockton area, was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton, after the crash.

It happened on the A689 near the Wynyard estate, near Billingham, at about 6.30am yesterday.

The passenger suffered chest injuries but his injuries are not thought to be serious.

The driver's white Mazda MX3 sports car burst into flames and burnt a hole in the signpost after the accident. The burnt car was so badly damaged that at first police were unable to identify its make or model.

No other vehicles were thought to be involved.

Durham Police were first at the scene and closed the road at Sedgefield.

Cleveland Police road traffic unit, which is leading the investigation, closed the road from the Samsung roundabout.

The busy road remained shut until about noon.

Cars were diverted on to the A177 Durham-to-Stockton road as traffic heading for the A19 was re-routed while investigations were carried out.

The A177 quickly became congested and hundreds of motorists were delayed.

Firefighters from Stockton were at the scene for more than three hours.

A Cleveland Police spokes-man said: "One man died and another was injured when the car left the road, hit a road sign and burst into flames.

"We need anyone who has any information at all to come forward."

Police believe a number of people from across the region must have witnessed the accident.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call Sergeant Paul Hunter on (01642) 301558.