Appeal after car left airport before fatal crash

Zackary Blades and his aunt Karlene Warner died at the scene

Police investigating a collision in which a woman and baby died are appealing for information after one of the vehicles involved was spotted leaving Newcastle Airport.

The crash happened at about 03:15 BST on 31 May on the southbound carriageway of the A1(M) between Chester-le-Street and Durham.

Eight-month-old Zackary Blades and his aunt Karlene Warner, 30, died at the scene after the Peugeot 308 they were travelling in was hit by an Audi Q5.

Officers are now keen to speak to anyone who saw a black Audi earlier that night after it left the airport.

Zackary's mother, who was driving, was taken to hospital with minor injuries, police said.

Due to the A1 closure, police said the Audi followed a diversion.

The driver travelled from the A696 to the A1 roundabout and then onto the A167 through Newcastle onto the Tyne Bridge, Durham Police said.

The car was then seen on the A184 Gateshead, A195 and then finally on the A1 prior to Washington services.

A 38-year-old man appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

He was remanded and is due to appear at Durham Crown Court on 1 July.

The man is also charged with possession of a bladed article.