A woman has died after being hit by a car in the North East early this morning (Saturday, March 23). 

Emergency services were alerted to a collision on the A184, between the junction for Whitemare Pool and the Testo’s roundabout, on South Tyneside at 1.10am.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "It was reported that a red Volkswagen Golf had been travelling eastbound when, for reasons yet to be established, it has struck a female pedestrian who had exited a vehicle on the westbound carriageway.

"Emergency services attended, but sadly the 36-year-old was pronounced dead a short time later at the scene.

"The woman’s next of kin have been notified and are currently being supported by specialist officers at this time.

"The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene to assist with enquiries."

An investigation has now been launched, and the road was closed in both directions for almost seven hours.

The Force’s Motor Patrols team have already spoken to a number of witnesses, and are keen to speak to anyone else who is yet to come forward.

Officers are especially interested in hearing from anyone who was travelling in the area at the time and may have dashcam or CCTV footage.

Sergeant Dave Roberts, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident where a woman has lost her life.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time, and we will continue to support them in any way we can.

“An investigation has been launched, and we are determined to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision and the events leading to it.

Most read: 

Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus digital subscription from as little as only £1.50 a week. Click here. 

The Northern Echo:

“We have already spoken with a number of individuals about what they saw, but we would urge anyone else who was driving or in the area at the time to come forward.

“Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could prove key as part of our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police using the ‘Report’ tool on the Northumbria Police website, or call 101, quoting log number NP-20240323-0063.