THE man who died in a collision between a bus and a 4X4 in Darlington has been named by police.

James Reddington, from Darlington, was killed when the stolen Isuzu Trooper he was travelling in collided with an Arriva bus at the junction of Parkgate and St Cuthbert’s Way on Saturday.

The 19-year-old, one of two passengers in the car, was declared dead at the scene.

The other passenger, a 23-year-old man, remains in James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, with a broken leg and facial injuries.

Police said the Isuzu had been stolen from Rydal Road in Darlington less than 30 minutes earlier.

Mr Reddington’s best friend and the driver of the 4X4, Darrel French appeared at Peterlee Magistrates' Court this afternoon (Monday, December 25) charged with causing death by dangerous driving, burglary, drink driving, aggravated taking without consent and driving with no insurance.

The 25-year-old of Haughton Road, Darlington, did not enter any pleas, but denied an unrelated matter of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, January 6.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Chapman, who is leading the investigation, said: “Two days on from the incident my investigation team are continuing to work hard to establish the events leading up to and immediately following the collision.

“With this in mind I would urge anyone with information to get in touch. I would particularly encourage anyone who may have seen the Isuzu Trooper travelling between Rydal Road and the scene of the collision to come forward.

“I would also like to thank those people who have responded to my earlier appeals for information.”

The collision happened shortly before 5pm and the force of the impact tore the front of the bus off, leaving the unconscious driver hanging out of the window.

It is believed he suffered cuts and bruises and a number of passengers on the bus were treated at the scene for shock.

Any witnesses to the incident, or the events leading up to or after the collision are urged to call Durham Police on 101, quoting reference number DHM211220130391.