A WOMAN has died after a crash between a van and a car on the A19 which resulted in a van driver being arrested for drink driving.

The crash happened just before the A172 turn-off to Stokesley on Friday and involved a white Citroen Dispatch van and a red Kia Rio car on the northbound carriageway.

Police believe the collision happened when the van crossed over from lane two to lane one as the Kia was travelling in lane one at about 7pm.

The Kia came to rest by a tree. A passenger in the car, a 76-year-old woman from Billingham, was airlifted to hospital, but died of her injuries on Monday at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The driver of the Kia, a 40-year-old man from Stockton, escaped with minor injuries. He was also treated at the same hospital.

The driver of the van, a 58-year-old man from South Shields, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving. He has been released under investigation while police enquiries continue.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and information to assist the investigation.

In particular, they are urging lorry drivers and other motorists who were on A19 between the A172 Stokesley and Osmotherley turn-offs on Friday evening, to check their dash-cams in case they have any footage that could help enquiries.

Please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Hamish Halloway. Or email hamish.halloway@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk quoting reference number 12180111678.