A police driver was trying to bring the Mitsubishi L200 pick-up to a halt as it sped down the A1(M) in County Durham.

But the driver of the truck smashed into the central reservation of the southbound carriageway near Durham, flipping over onto the opposite carriageway.

The vheicle collided with a Peugeot car travelling south, and the driver was declared dead at the scene. He will not be identified until relatives are informed.

The driver of the Mitsubishi was undergoing surgery.

The incident, which happened at 5.40am, resulted in the closure of the motorway in both directions, causing severe delays for drivers.

The matter has been referred by Durham Constabulary to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The incident began this morning when the pick-up was reported stolen from Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

It was later spotted 20 miles away on the Aycliffe Industrial Estate, Newton Aycliffe.

It was followed by trained police in a patrol car and by the Durham force helicopter tracking it from the air.

The stolen truck followed the A167 road before turning onto the A1(M) and heading north.

A spokesman said: "Near the Bowburn interchange a controlled attempt was made to bring the car to a halt.

"In an attempt to avoid this the Mitsubishi hit the central reservation and flipped onto the southbound carriageway.

"It hit an oncoming Peugeot car, causing severe injuries to the driver, who died at the scene.

"The male driver of the Mitsubishi was injured and has been undergoing surgery at the University Hospital of North Durham.

"The police officers involved were left badly shocked.

"A full investigation is underway and the matter has been referred to the IPCC by Durham Police.

"Some witnesses have contacted the police but officers are keen to hear from anyone else who saw the incident." Anyone with information should call 0845 6060 365.