Suspected stolen car set alight after A690 smash

Police are searching for two suspects after a car believed to be stolen was set on fire after it smashed into a traffic light control box.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 3rd Jan 2020, 16:41 BST
Updated 4th Jan 2020, 13:38 BST
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Durham Constabulary is investigating after its officers were called to the collision on the corner of the A690 at Carrville, near to the junction with High Street and close to the Shell Garage opposite the Belmont Park and Ride site.

The smash involving a suspected stolen car left traffic light control equipment out of use, with debris left littering the verge and the ground scorched.

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Motorists have been asked to avoid using the junction, with a series of diversions in place to help drivers, with some being diverted via Houghton and Broomside Lane on the outskirts of Durham city centre.

Durham Constabulary is investigating after its officers were called to the collision on the corner of the A690 at Carrville. Picture: PA.Durham Constabulary is investigating after its officers were called to the collision on the corner of the A690 at Carrville. Picture: PA.
Durham Constabulary is investigating after its officers were called to the collision on the corner of the A690 at Carrville. Picture: PA.

Durham County Council has installed temporary traffic lights while new kit to replace the damaged controls is on order, with the repairs expected to be carried out on Friday, January 10.

The crash happened at 1.40am on Boxing Day, Thursday, December 26, with police now appealing for information to help trace the suspects.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: “It is believed that the two occupants got out of the car and set it alight, before leaving the scene of the collision, which happened at Carrville, opposite the entrance to the Park and Ride.

“As a result, the fire service were also called to the incident.”

Any witnesses should call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 32 of December 26.