POLICE believe a motorist, who stopped at the scene of an accident which led to a cyclist's death, may hold vital clues to their inquiry.

Dr Ceri Williams died last week in Middlesbrough General Hospital - eight days after he was knocked off his bike on a country road.

The 47-year-old, who was a consultant at Darlington Memorial Hospital, was taken there with serious head injuries after the accident on the B6279 Ingleton to Darlington road, on April 3.

He was transferred to Middlesbrough's intensive care unit, but did not regain consciousness and died last Friday morning.

Officers investigating the incident are now appealing for a potentially crucial witness to come forward.

The female motorist, who is said to be elderly, was travelling in a silver Ford Mondeo, in the opposite direction to Dr Williams when the accident occurred.

She stopped at the scene, but only briefly because another driver had pulled over to try to help Dr Williams.

Police think she may have seen the accident, which happened at 7.10pm, about a quarter of a mile east of the Walworth crossroads.

Dr Williams, of Elton Parade, Darlington, is believed to have been knocked from his bike by a Volkswagen Polo.

An 81-year-old man has been questioned, but not arrested by police following the incident.

The funeral of Dr Williams takes place on Tuesday, in Holy Trinity Church, Woodland Road, Darlington.

He leaves a widow, Gaynor, and children Laurie, Scott and Owen.