Road Traffic Accident

A driver has died after his car was hit by a stolen vehicle chased by police on the A1(M) near Durham.

A Mitsubishi was being pursued by officers in cars and a helicopter when the Japanese car crossed the carriageway and hit a Peugeot heading south.

A spokesman said the fugitive crashed while "a controlled attempt was being made to bring the car to a halt" near the Bowburn interchange.

"Officers had earlier been following a Mitsubishi stolen from the Chester-le-Street area which had been spotted on the Aycliffe industrial estate," he said.

"It travelled on to the A167 before turning on to the A1(M) and heading north. The Mitsubishi was being followed by trained officers and the police helicopter was also being used to monitor the pursuit.

"The driver of the Peugeot suffered severe injuries and died at the scene. The male driver of the Mitsubishi was also injured and is currently undergoing surgery at the University Hospital of north Durham."

The spokesman added that police officers involved in trying to stop the Mitsubishi were left badly shocked. Some witnesses had already contacted police.

Durham Police said a full investigation had been launched and it would refer the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

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