A bike adorned with a football club's logo has helped police trace the family of a man who was killed after being hit by a car.

The man was lying in the middle of the road when he was struck by a Nissan Primera on the A67 at Middleton-St-George, near Darlington, just before 10pm on Monday.

Despite numerous media appeals, officers failed to find any of his relatives until today when they turned their attention to an undamaged mountain bike covered in Newcastle United stickers, found near to the scene of the accident.

After contacting the football club they visited several shops which sell the distinctive blue, black and white, 21-speed Giant bike.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "Those inquiries led investigators to an address in Darlington and subsequently to a member of the deceased's family.

"Investigators have been appealing for help in efforts to establish the personal details of the victim. Police now believe they know his identity."

He said the victim was believed to be in his 40s and not early 30s, as was originally thought. The relative was due to formally identify the body last night and the man's name is likely to be revealed today.

Police still have no idea why he was lying in the road when struck.

They are appealing for witnesses to the accident, which occurred at the A67's junction with a minor road leading to Palm Bridge.

PC Ian Haigh, from Durham Police's accident investigation unit, said notice boards put up at the scene asking for information had not prompted anyone to come forward.

"So far nobody has been in touch with any detail about either the accident itself or the cyclist," he said.

"We are no longer looking for information regarding the cyclist but the appeal for witnesses to the accident itself is still valid."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0191-386 4929.