Appeal for witness over woman’s viaduct death

A cyclist could hold the key to solving the death of a woman in Consett.

The 50-year-old woman died after falling from Hownsgill Viaduct, County Durham, on Thursday, August 10.

Now, as detectives continue to probe her death, an appeal has been made for a cyclist who is a crucial witness to come forward.

The witness is described as a white male cyclist, believed to be around 50 years old, of stocky build and wearing a t-shirt, sunglasses and cycling helmet.

It is believed the cyclist may have seen the woman fall from the viaduct at around 10am that morning.

Following a mandatory referral from Durham Constabulary, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the contact the police may have had with the woman prior to her death.

The IPCC has already identified two other cyclists who witnessed the tragedy and continues to carry out other lines of inquiry.

The man may not live locally as the viaduct is know to be a popular spot for cyclists, as it is situated on the coast to coast cycle path.

Anyone with any information about this incident can contact the IPCC on 0800 151 0020, or via hownsgill-viaduct@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk

Call 0161 246 8543 for more information.