A PENSIONER is believed to have suffered a fatal heart attack moments before his car hit a bollard.

Police said yesterday that the death of Abraham Sewell, 85, was probably due to natural causes and not any injuries he suffered.

The accident was on the corner of Galgate and Horsemarket, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, at 10.45pm on Tuesday night.

Mr Sewell, of Barnard Castle, was confirmed dead at the scene.

Police believe that he suffered a heart attack as he was about to turn on to Galgate, and instead mounted the pavement and hit a metal bollard.

No other vehicles were involved, and Mr Sewell had been travelling alone. Results of a post mortem examination are expected to be released today.