AN inquest has been opened into the death of a man killed in a crash on the A69.

At 1.45am on Sunday, December 23, police attended the scene of a crash between a Mercedes HGV and a white Peugeot van on the road near East Wharmley Farm, east of Haydon Bridge.

The male driver of the Peugeot van, who has been named as Stuart Gilpin (35) from the Whitley Bay area, was pronounced dead at the scene.

South Northumberland coroner, Eric Armstrong, opened an inquest into his death on Wednesday.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the collision or anyone who was in the area and might have dashcam footage to contact them by calling 101 quoting log 107 23/12/18  or to email 8961@northumbria.pnn.police.uk with information.