A DRIVER has been released on police bail as investigations continue into the deaths of two men crushed under a collapsed bus shelter after it was hit by her car.

The 26-year-old driver, who suffered minor injuries and shock, has been interviewed by police and bailed pending further inquiries.

She was at the wheel of a Seat Cordoba which appeared to swerve to avoid children, before mounting a path and crashing into the bus shelter wall, in East Rainton, Wearside.

The concrete roof of the shelter collapsed on to Ernie Wilkinson, 54, and 28-year-old Michael Logan, who were waiting at the stop, outside the Highfield Hotel, Durham Road.

Both men, from East Rainton, were confirmed dead on arrival at the University Hospital of North Durham.

As the shelter caved in, Mr Logan managed to throw himself over his seven-year-old stepson, Craig, who was pulled free from the rubble with injuries described as "not life threatening".

Police have appealed for witnesses to the crash, at 8.15am on Saturday, to call 0191-454 7555, extension 66793.