A MAN has died following a crash in the early hours of this morning.

The  A19 was closed for several hours this morning following the collision, which involved a Ford Fiesta and a cyclist.

It happened on the northbound carriageway near Sunderland early this morning.

The cyclist, a man in his 20s, died from injuries sustained in the collision, which happened at about 1.35am.

Emergency services were called to reports of a collision, which happened between A183 Offerton & A1231 North Hylton in Sunderland.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "We attended the scene following a report of a collision involving a Ford Fiesta and a cyclist. Sadly the cyclist, a male in his 20s, died from his injuries sustained.

"His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this awful time.

"The road was closed overnight following the incident and reopened shortly after 7am today.

"An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the collision and we are now asking for witnesses to come forward.

"We would especially like to hear from anybody who was travelling on the A19 northbound in the Sunderland area at that time who may have dashcam footage, or anybody who witnessed a pedal bike being ridden on the road.

"In particular, we would like to trace the driver of a heavy goods vehicle in the area at the time and who may have witnessed the collision.

"You can pass on information to us by using the 'Tell Us Something' page of our website quoting log 47 130521."

The road was closed in the early hours of the morning from the A183 Chester Road to A1231 Sunderland Highway.

North East Traffic Live reports the road reopened shortly after 7am.

Northumbria Police officers were called to the scene, where accident investigations have been taking place. 

The accident has been causing disruption on roads in the area.

In a separate incident, one lane is closed due to a broken down vehicle on A19 Southbound in  County Durham.

The vehicle is between A1086 (Little Thorpe junction, Easington) and A181 ( Castle Eden Interchange, Castle Eden).

Traffic is coping well. Lane one (of two) is closed.