POLICE last night renewed an appeal for witnesses to a road accident in which a little girl was killed.

Accident investigators from Durham Police's traffic department are trying to piece together the circumstances surrounding the death of Billie Margaret Thompson.

She was involved in a collision with an ice cream van in the Delves Lane area of Consett, County Durham, on Friday.

Two-and-a-half-year-old Billie, of Constance Street, Consett, was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham, but died from head injuries.

Police said the driver of the ice cream van suffered shock, but declined treatment.

The 35-year-old man is believed to be the operator of the ice cream round, and owned the Ford Transit vehicle.

Billie's parents, Judith and Freddie Thompson, were said to be devastated at their daughter's death.

It is understood they were visiting Mr Thompson's parents, Hughie and Margaret, in Pontop View, Delves Lane, when the accident took place.

The ice cream van appeared to have just arrived in Pontop View and was about to pull up when the accident took place.

Acting Inspector Eddie Bell, of Consett police, said last night it was "absolutely shocking" for such a young child to be killed.

He said more information was needed from witnesses to help the investigators.

Acting insp Bell asked anyone in the area at the time, at about 6.05pm on Friday, to come forward.

They are asked to contact 0191-386 4929.