Northumbria Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal crash near Houghton-le-Spring.

A 72-year-old man was hit by a van outside the Best One shop on Kitchener Terrace in the New Herrington area on January 8.

Emergency services received reports at around 6.05pm and found the man suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital.

Despite their best efforts, he was later pronounced dead.

His next of kin have been informed and are receiving support.

Sergeant Steve Chappell, of Northumbria Police, said: "This is a tragic incident where sadly an elderly man has passed away.

"Our thoughts are with the man’s family as they try to come to terms with what has happened.

"A number of enquiries are currently ongoing to establish exactly what has happened in the lead up to the collision.

"We know the area was very busy at the time with lots of people and vehicles – so there will be more witnesses who saw what happened.

"Please help us by getting in touch as soon as possible. Your information could be really helpful in the early stages of our investigation."

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "At around 6.05pm on Monday, January 8, police received a report of a collision involving a pedestrian and a van outside of the Best One shop on Kitchener Terrace in the New Herrington area.

"It was reported that a white Peugeot Partner van had been travelling on the westbound carriageway when, for reasons yet to be established, they have struck a male pedestrian on the road.

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device, click here

Most read

8 of the North East's best nightclubs of years gone by

Death of woman found on Thornaby street 'not suspicious'

Esh Winning Primary School earns award for outdoor play

"Emergency services attended the scene and found the man, aged 72, had suffered life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital however, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was sadly later pronounced as deceased."

Officers are particularly keen to hear from any witnesses who were in the area at the time and may have CCTV or dashcam footage which could assist their investigation.

Anyone with information should use the ‘Report’ page of the Northumbria Police website or call 101, quoting log number NP-20240108-0880.