Family of runner who died will run same race next year
Kevin Paterson's family say even if they have to walk round, they will finish the Great Birmingham Run like he did.
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A passer-by raised the alarm about a house fire in Seaham in time for three members of a family to escape.
The fire, believed to have been started deliberately, had spread from a wheelie bin to the back door of the house in Windermere Road. Police believe a motorbike propped up next to the bin had been left there on purpose: "literally to add fuel to the fire."
A man passing the house spotted the flames and alerted a 20-year-old man and his two younger sisters, who were inside. They escaped, and the older brother went back into the house and rescued three dogs.
Full Report: No charges for fatal lorry crash
No charges will be brought against a lorry driver whose vehicle collided with a car in County Durham last year - killing four people including a baby - on a road between Seaham and Houghton le Spring.
The driver had been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving but it was later found he had suffered a coughing fit that caused him to lose consciousness.
You can watch the full report from Frances Read below.
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Lorry driver suffered coughing fit and lost consciousness during crash
A lorry driver from Hetton-le-Hole will not be charged over a car crash which killed four members of the same family after he suffered a coughing fit which caused him to lose consciousness, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
The crash between happened on April 25 last year between Seaham and Houghton-le-Spring by Sharpley Golf Club.
Robert Reed, his wife Margaret, 18-year-old Natalie Simpson, who was the partner of their grandson, and her 14-month-old daughter Destiny, suffered fatal injuries.
The lorry driver from Hetton-le-Hole will not face any charges.
The CPS explained medical tests showed he had recently had whooping cough infection, and that his blood pressure dropped when he coughed.
The trucker was arrested after the crash on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
"I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those involved in this tragic incident, but I would hope that our decision brings some measure of closure to them.
"Immediately following the collision, the driver in this case gave an account that he had experienced a coughing fit which had caused him to suddenly lose consciousness.
"This type of event is known medically as 'cough syncope'.
"Following the collision the driver was taken to Sunderland Royal Infirmary, where he was examined by a doctor.
"A series of tests were conducted that showed that he had recently been subject to a whooping cough infection.
"The tests also showed that the driver's blood pressure dropped to low levels during a coughing fit, which could have caused him to lose consciousness.
"The doctor stated at that time that the results were consistent with a diagnosis of 'cough syncope due to acute whooping cough infection'.
"The CPS engaged the services of two further independent medical professionals, one of whom was an expert in syncope, to scrutinise the initial diagnosis made.
– Paul Lee, Crown advocate for CPS North East"Both agreed independently that the medical evidence was consistent with this diagnosis.
"Given that no evidence could be found to establish an alternative version of events, the case did not pass the evidential stage of the full code test and a prosecution will not now be brought against the driver of the lorry."
No charges for lorry driver who killed four members of same family
No charges are to be brought against a lorry driver whose vehicle collided with a car between Seaham and Houghton-le-Spring almost a year ago, killing all four members of the same family.
Robert Reed, 75, was driving a people carrier with his wife, Margaret, 74, in the front and Natalie Simpson, 18, and her 14-month-old daughter, Destiny Reed, in the back, when the Renault Scenic was hit by a lorry driving in the opposite direction, killing three of the family instantly.
Margaret Reed was taken to James Cook hospital with serious injuries, but died later.
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Hearing held into Durham Police misconduct
A misconduct hearing is being held to investigate the actions of officers from Durham Police involved in the arrest of a man who died in custody.
Leonard McCourt, from Seaham, died at Peterlee police station in September 2010.
An Independent Police Complaints Commission report ruled that the actions of the officers were 'wholly inadequate' and an inquest ruled his death was caused by misadventure.
Family of runner who died will run same race next year
by Lucy Taylor
Kevin Paterson's family say even if they have to walk round, they will finish the Great Birmingham Run like he did.
Read the full storyFull report: Tributes paid to Seaham runner
The family of a man who died after a half marathon are planning to run the race in his memory next year.
Kevin Paterson from Seaham was apparently fit and healthy and an experienced runner, but he collapsed after crossing the finish line last Sunday.
His parents and sisters are now fundraising in his name and have already raised more than two thousand pounds for charity. They say even if they have to walk round, they'll finish the race like he did.
Seaham runner's family receive overwhelming support
The family of the runner from Seaham who died after completing the Birmingham half marathon have spoken about the overwhelming amount of public support they received after his death.
Kevin Paterson collapsed after crossing the finish line of the Great Birmingham Run on October 21st.
His family say that something good has to come out of the tragedy.
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