The family of a 79-year-old pensioner who died in a crash have paid tribute to his life as a police investigation in to the incident continues.

Police have named William Turnbull, known as Billy, as the pedestrian who died on Belle Vue Way (the A689) near the junction of Thomlinson Road in Hartlepool after 11pm on Sunday (October 13) following reports of a crash.

Police say Billy, 79, was walking near the junction when he was struck by 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.

Police also said that a 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and he is to be questioned.

Billy’s family has today paid tribute to him, with his son Paul saying: “Billy was a loving father to me and grandad to my children.”

His stepson Graham added: “He was a loving step dad to me and will be missed by myself, partner Lesley and grandson Joe.”

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Police have now reissued their call for any witness statements or dashcam footage as the probe in to the crash continues.

They said: "We continue to appeal for any witnesses or any drivers with dashcam particularly if they saw or have footage of a blue BMW 335D on Sunday evening (13th October) or at the time of the collision, 11pm.

"Please contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number quoting ref 196888."