A young boy was fighting for his life in intensive care last night after being hit by a bus.

The accident happened just hours before a man was killed on the roads in County Durham.

The five-year-old boy, who has not been named by police at the request of his family, was taken to Newcastle General Hospital after suffering serious head injuries.

He was knocked down by the Arriva single-decker bus after running out into the A177 road at Park Avenue, Coxhoe, near Durham City, on Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, police last night confirmed the identity of a 21-year-old man killed as he crossed the road near Stanley, County Durham.

Michael Ross, of nearby Lanchester, was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, suffering multiple injuries following the accident in Park Road, South Moor, on Saturday night.

Anyone who may have witnessed either of the accidents or who may have information has been asked to call the Durham Police traffic division on 0191-386 4929.