Durham motorcyclist killed in collision with van near Cockfield (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Motorcyclist killed in collision with van on A688 near Staindrop

9:26am Saturday 20th October 2012 in News By Stuart Laundy, Reporter (Barnard Castle & Teesdale)

A MOTORCYCLIST died after being thrown from his bike following a collision with a van.

The tragedy happened on the Keverstone Bank section of the A688 near Staindrop, County Durham, at the junction with Burnt Houses Lane, near Cockfield, at about 6pm last night (Friday).

Inspector Malcolm Smart, of Durham Police, said the motorcyclist, a man from Gilesgate, Durham, was travelling east along the A688.

The Citroen Berlingo van pulled out from the junction to turn right, heading towards Staindrop.

The motocyclist was thrown from his bike and sustained fatal injuries. He was declared dead at the scene of the accident.

The driver of the van, a local man, suffered shock.

The road was closed for about four hours.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the accident to contact the force's collision unit on 0191 3752159.