North-east news: Tragedy as 'fun loving' pensioner dies after being hit by bus

Tributes have been pouring in for a "fun loving and incredibly positive" woman who tragically died after being struck by a bus in County Durham.

Janet Holmes was crossing at the junction of Prince's Street and Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland shortly before 10:30 am on Wednesday when the incident occurred. Despite receiving emergency treatment at the scene, the 81-year-old later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.

Her grieving children, currently being supported by police officers, have released a heartfelt statement honouring their mother. They expressed: "Janet was a kind, fun loving and incredibly positive person. She had the amazing ability to form strong positive relationships with almost everyone she met."

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"Her loss will leave an enormous gap in the lives of not just her own family but also the many friends she made both old and new." They added that on the fateful morning, Janet was en route to her beloved arts and crafts group when the tragic event unfolded, reports Chronicle Live.

The bus driver, a man in his 50s, was arrested at the scene and has been released under investigation as enquiries proceed.

Durham Police are appealing for any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. They request that such information be sent via email to SCIU@durham.police.uk, referencing incident number 98 of November 13.

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