A hit-and-run investigation has been launched as a man is in a “critical” condition in hospital with serious injuries.

Police investigating a serious collision in Middlesbrough on Friday are appealing to trace the driver of a black vehicle, now possibly believed to be a black Volkswagen Passat saloon.

A black Volkswagen Passat was abandoned just before 11pm on Derby Avenue in the Whinney Banks area of Middlesbrough with extensive damage.

Officers are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the occupants leaving the vehicle when it was abandoned. The crash, which happened on Newport Road at around 10:30pm on Friday, is believed to be linked to the incident.

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The collision involved a male pedestrian and a black vehicle, which left the scene and headed off around Newport roundabout and out of sight.

The pedestrian, a man aged 34, had been heading across Newport Road from the direction of Letitia Street when the incident happened.

He has been left in a critical condition with serious injuries and remains in James Cook University Hospital receiving treatment.

Newport Bridge was closed while collision investigators remained at the scene.

A statement from Cleveland Police added; “Police are appealing to the driver to come forward and to any witnesses who may have seen the collision or the manner of driving of the vehicle, or may have information regarding the identity of the driver, to call Cleveland Police on 101, quoting incident number 180224.

“Officers would also like to appeal for any dash cam footage or CCTV footage which could assist the investigation. Footage can be uploaded directly here."

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