A 79-year-old pensioner has tragically died after being involved in a crash and a 24-year-old man has been arrested as an investigation into the incident continues.

Emergency services rushed to Belle Vue Way (the A689) near the junction of Thomlinson Road in Hartlepool after 11pm last night (October 13) following reports of a crash.

Police say the man, 79, was walking near the junction when he was in collision with a blue BMW 335D travelling south towards the Stag and Monkey roundabout.

The road was closed immediately after the crash and re-opened in the early hours of Monday (October 14) morning.

A full police statement reads: "Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this extremely difficult time. Enquiries into the collision are continuing.

"A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and he will be questioned.

"In the meantime, we would appeal for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam or private CCTV footage to get in touch.

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"The collision happened on Belle Vue Way (the A689) near the junction of Thomlinson Road at 11pm on Sunday 13th October.

"The 79-year-old man was walking near the junction when he was in collision with a blue BMW 335D travelling south on the A689 Belle Vue Way towards the Stag and Monkey roundabout.

"If you have any footage from Belle Vue Way around the time of the collision or saw/captured footage of the blue BMW earlier in the evening, please contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number quoting ref 196888."