Tributes paid to pensioner killed in road traffic collision

Tributes have been paid to a “fun, loving and incredibly positive” woman who sadly died following a collision in Bishop Auckland on Wednesday.

Janet Holmes was crossing the road at the Prince’s Street Junction with Newgate Street, just before 10.30am when she was hit by a bus.

The 81-year-old was given emergency treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital but sadly passed away later that day.

Her children, who are being supported by officers, have since released a statement paying tribute to their mum.

They said: “Janet was a kind, fun loving and incredibly positive person.

“She had the 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.

“That morning she was on her way to her arts and crafts group which she loved when this tragic event happened.”

The bus driver, a man in his 50s, was arrested at the scene and has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

If you have any information that could assist officers, please email [email protected] quoting incident reference number 98 of November 13.