A driver has died after a car fire burst into flames in a Durham village.
Police officers were alerted shortly before 1.45pm on Monday after a number of witnesses reported seeing a car in flames at the junction of Willington High Street and Stony Bank.
On arrival, officers discovered a car had suffered severe damage in a fire.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze and the body of a woman was found inside. There were no passengers inside.
Footage from the scene shows police officers guiding drivers away from the scene, with the road expected to stay closed into Monday night.
A forensic tent has been set up on the street with sheets also placed around the burnt-out car.
Crime Scene Investigation and Collision Investigation police vans are parked nearby and an officer has been taking photographs of the car.
A joint investigation into the cause of the fire has been set up by Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire And Rescue Service.
Chief Inspector Graham Milne, of Durham Constabulary, said: “We would like to express our sympathies to the family of the woman involved in what has been a tragic incident.
“We have launched a joint investigation with our colleagues from the fire service to try to determine the cause of the fire and would appeal for any witnesses to get in touch with us as quickly as possible”.
The road has been closed at the junction of Stony Bank with diversions in place and is expected to remain closed for a considerable time while forensic investigators examine the scene.
Any witnesses are asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101 quoting incident number 211 of July 6.
A spokesperson for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service along with colleagues from Durham Constabulary have launched a joint investigation into a car fire, in which a woman, has sadly lost her life.
"Crews from Crook, Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland all attended the fire this afternoon after reports came into our control room at 1.40pm reporting a car on fire, near to Willington High Street.
"On arrival, it was clear the car was well alight and unfortunately the driver passed away at the scene.
"Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and friends at this time."
