Woman, 81, dies after being hit by bus

Durham Police Janet Holmes with grey hair in a bob and black glasses. She is wearing a white striped shirt. She is looking at the camera. Durham Police
Janet Holmes was struck by a bus on Wednesday

Tributes have been paid to an "incredibly positive" 81-year-old who was fatally struck by a bus.

Janet Holmes was hit on Wednesday while crossing the road at the Prince's Street junction with Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland just before 10:30 GMT.

Durham Police said she was treated at the scene but later died at hospital.

Officers said they had arrested the bus driver but he had since been released while the investigation continued.

Ms Holmes had been on her way to her arts and crafts group "which she loved", her children said in a statement.

They said she had "amazing ability to form strong positive relationships with almost everyone she met".

"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."

Durham Police said anyone with information that could assist the investigation should get in contact.

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